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How to Make a DIY Reflective Photography Umbrella

Photography equipment can be expensive. You can spend thousands of dollars on not only cameras and lenses, but on all the other items you may need to equip your studio. However, there is photo studio equipment you can make at home to save money, such as reflective photography umbrellas.

Things You'll Need

Three to four umbrellas of varying sizes
Two cans of white spray paint
Old newspapers
C-clamp

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase three to four umbrellas that you can paint to make photography umbrellas. Buy golf umbrellas if you have a larger space that you want to illuminate.
- 2
  Buy two cans of a white spray paint with a glossy finish. White is a good color to start with. Once you have become comfortable with the process you may want to buy other umbrellas and use silver or gold reflective paint. These colors will give you a slightly different appearance in your pictures.
- 3
  Find a place where you can paint the umbrella. If you are painting indoors, be sure to place newspapers on the floor to prevent the spray from damaging carpet or floors. Be sure to work in ventilated area or wear a mask to filter the paint fumes.
- 4
  Open the umbrella and paint the inside of it with even passes of the spray paint can from side to side. Leave the umbrella open, place it on the floor and allow the first coat to dry.
- 5
  Apply a second coat to the umbrella until the inside of the umbrella is completely white.
- 6
  Use a C-clamp to connect your reflective umbrella to the light stand and it is ready for use.

Photography