Big Reflector on the Cheap???

[Silvernic]

I've been trying to creat a really nice natural light environment in my little home studio, but I need a little help. I have a 4 x 5 window that I've covered with a very large light diffuser panel (the type that usually covers up flourescent ceiling lights) and it puts off fantastic light. My problem is that the far wall is almost 15 feet from the window and is not bouncing near enough light to creat a pleasing ratio. Does anyone have any ideas for a LARGE, semi-movable, reflector that I could buy/make on the cheap? Or any other ideas to improve the situation.

Thanks!
Nic

[JohnRushing]

I bought some gold foil from a local hobby store ($3.99 for 25ft) and a can of spray adhesive ($4.25). I found a large box at a furniture store that a fridge came in (free) and mad a gold reflector that 3'x6' for less than $9.00. I also took some regular silver foil wrap that my wife had in the kitchen and covered the other side of the cardboard with it and made it a dual reflector, silver on one side and gold on the other. You could even cover one side with thin white styrofoam for a white reflector, or make another reflector with the white on one side and paint the other side black to stop any bounce you don't want. The gold/silver one I made reflects a lot more light than a regular white wall. It's not a fancy as a sotre bought reflector but it didn't cost an arm and a leg either.

[srwatters]

What about a 4x8 sheet of foamcore? I know Light Tec here in dallas sells them with white on one side and black on the other. Greg and I use light stands with Home Depot spring clamps to hold it up. You can also cut one side in the middle to make a bookend out it and it will stand up on it's own.

If 4x8 is too big, Michaels stores carry 30x40" white foamcore. I've used white duct tape to put two of them together for an 60x40" bookend. The surface is a tad brighter than the ones from Light Tec.

Have fun!

[boxofrocks]

Hobby Lobby sells large sheets of foam core, too. Not sure of the sizes, but they are usually pretty cheap.

[Steelsun]

I've used a car windshield sunshade with great results.
Actually I bought a "supersize" one made for SUVs. It's a set of two cloth ones that twist into circles for storage. Open they are about 3'x3', gold on one side, silver on the other.

I've also bought gold & blue accordian style ones that look like bubblewrap-style foil. Greats for odd highlights.

I've also bought gold & red foils at the dollar store as a neat bouncer.

[JohnRushing]

Scott since you mentioned the 4x8 foam core with the black on one side how do you think the foam sheet insulation for homes would work? It's white on one side (some brands are blue though) and has a reflectice silver sheeting on the other side. That much silver would through a lot of light though, maybe to much? I've got to get me some large foam core for a reflector like you had at the workshop.

[popawalker]

How about an old movie screen. A lot of us probably have one sitting in a closet somewhere with the old 8mm projector, has it's own stand and can be placed easily.

[MarekWK]

Originally Posted by boxofrocks

Hobby Lobby sells large sheets of foam core, too. Not sure of the sizes, but they are usually pretty cheap.

I need to try different Michaels / Hobby Lobby. Last time I went, their sizes were quite smallish... nowhere in in magnitude of of 8X4.

[d2creative]

Originally Posted by JohnRushing

Scott since you mentioned the 4x8 foam core with the black on one side how do you think the foam sheet insulation for homes would work? It's white on one side (some brands are blue though) and has a reflectice silver sheeting on the other side.

This was going to be my suggestion, too.