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How to Build a Photography Lighting Reflector

Professional photographers use lighting reflectors to fill in shadows. Professional studio equipment could be expensive for those on a budget. But simple reflectors are easy to make, and they work just as well as the expensive ones. The materials can be purchased cheaply in hardware stores. It is possible that what you need is already in your garage.

Things You'll Need

Stiff piece of cardboard or foam core
Silver tin foil
Spray mount adhesive
Scissors
Masking tape

Instructions

- 1
  There are no standard sizes for reflectors; you may cut the piece of cardboard into any sizes you want. An ideal size for holding is about 24 by 32 inches. If you want a big reflector that is more portable, you may lightly score and fold the cardboard in half.
- 2
  Cut out a piece of tin foil that is slightly larger than the cardboard. You may need to cut two or more pieces to cover a larger cardboard.
- 3
  Spray a thin coat of adhesive on the cardboard.
- 4
  Carefully apply tin foil on the cardboard, shiny side up. You may overlap the tin foil pieces slightly so that all surfaces are covered.
- 5
  Fold the excess foil over the edges and tape it down. For smoother edges, cut the excess foil and trim the edges with masking tape.

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