Fold-down studio reflector panels

Lee L · Jan 8, 2009

Lee L submitted a new resource:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists) - Fold-down studio reflector panels

I've mentioned this setup in a couple of lighting threads on APUG, but haven't posted a shot yet. This is a method of making foamcore studio reflectors that are inexpensive, easy to find materials for, reasonably large, and will fold down much smaller and store easily.

In the US, there are commonly available 'project display boards', found at office supply, education, and craft supply shops. They are now often made of foamcore material, and are 36 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and have 12...

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Simplicius · Jan 8, 2009

thanks for this --- I have limited storage and this might be a solution for me

Paul Walding · Apr 17, 2009

Great idea........Paul

Rick A · Apr 17, 2009

You can also buy some mylar sheeting(sold in sporting goods stores as "space blankets") and adhere it to your panels . It comes silver on one side, and gold on the reverse. It is really cheap, I,ve used it for years, and it works well.

Lee L · Apr 17, 2009

One of my local craft stores sells 20x30 inch foamcore with aluminum foil facing on both sides, silver only, no warmer tint. The foil is not perfectly specular. It has a slightly diffused reflection. It doesn't come as a folding project background, but could be assembled to work in a similar way.

Lee

TheFlyingCamera · Apr 17, 2009

Not quite as cheap, but Calumet sells reflector panels that consist of an aluminum tube frame and various cloth skins (translucent, white opaque, silver, silver/gold, black) in 42x42 and 42x78 inch configurations. When the frames are collapsed, they fit in a 2"x 6"x36" box.

Marco B · May 12, 2009

Lee L said:
I thought others with tight storage and limited budgets might find this idea useful, and I wouldn't be surprised if others have already thought of it.

Yup, you were not the only one to come up with the good idea. I created something similar from the same foamcore cardboard in black and white version and used it as a miniature table-top studio setup, for example in this shot:

In the Netherlands, you most often buy these foamcore panels as plates, instead of ready to use vertical stands, so I had to do a little bit more work to get them standing.

Marco

Fold-down studio reflector panels

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