DIY Photo Reflectors

Learn to use photo reflectors to bounce light on your subject or to tone down too much light.  Here are some things around the house to use on small subjects.

http://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/quick-tip-8-reflectors-you-already-have-in-your-home--photo-12439

Here is a short video that shows you how to make 4 photo reflectors with core board.  Again, these are not giant sized but can work well if held close to your subjects.  You may need an assistant for some of these or if possible, have the photo subject hold the light upwards to their face if not including their hands in the photograph.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ITK0w6Jkpo

Studio lighting and professional photo reflectors can be costly.  Try some DIY versions as you learn.  Just keep shooting. No subject? Use the self timer and use yourself as a  model.

Here I held a large piece of aluminumm reflector under my face and you can see in the sunglass reflection. Those kind you put in your windshield would work, too. Get creative.

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Self Portraits Can Be Fun

I don't use a smart phone, and can barely type on tablet touch pad. (if you have tremors in your hands, they can very challenging!) I use a NikonD3300 DSLR.
So my selfies are done the old fashioned way with a camera and tripod.

(I don't smoke it's an old cigarette prop !)

This is the focus pole I used when standing against the wall. I moved it and stood in it's place and I just cut it out later. I also got rid of the spring door stop. you can also see the foil I put on the door to reflect the light in non flash photographs. I hate flash.

I confess, I prefer being behind the lens but one of the best ways to learn is on yourself.  Our house has very few areas to photograph against with too many oddly placed closets, lots of windows, and doorways.  I use a tiny corner entry way but I can't get rid of the slight shadow behind me that makes me look like a cut out at first glance!

 Example of bad shadow ! !

Sunglasses can make self portraits more fun.

Find what's in your/husband/boyfriends/room mate's closet? Bring out the kid in yourself and just play. I had not done this for 20 years. Then play around in photoshop or some other filters.

(One focus point I used, then I tossed the yardstick and  sat on chair)

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