How to Make a Paper Plate Reflector

If you don't have a paper plate, then cut a circle out of cardboard measuring about 9 inches/23cm in diameter., Determine the exact center of your circle., At the crease intersection, draw a light line in each direction., From the center of the...

17 Steps 1 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: If you don't have a paper plate

    Unless it's already white cardboard, cover it with white paper.

    Alternatively, you could light it up even more by using mylar.
  2. Step 2: then cut a circle out of cardboard measuring about 9 inches/23cm in diameter.

    To do this, fold it in half.

    Do this at 90 degree angles to each other. , See the image for guidance. , This will be a cut line. ,, Here, a circle was drawn so as to know the correct location, then a hole was cut. ,,, As shown here, the small hole goes around the light. , The more you overlap the paper circle, the more focused your light will be.

    The less overlapped it is, the broader your light source will appear. , Then throw it away when done, if you choose.
  3. Step 3: Determine the exact center of your circle.

  4. Step 4: At the crease intersection

  5. Step 5: draw a light line in each direction.

  6. Step 6: From the center of the plate

  7. Step 7: use one of the creases to draw a line from the center of the plate to the edge.

  8. Step 8: Using your scissors

  9. Step 9: cut the paper on the line you just drew.

  10. Step 10: Depending on the size of your light source

  11. Step 11: cut a hole in the center of your plate/circle.

  12. Step 12: If you don't have a white plate or need more light

  13. Step 13: coat the inside of the reflector/plate with something reflective.

  14. Step 14: Set up the light source needing a reflector.

  15. Step 15: Put the paper circle on the light source.

  16. Step 16: Overlap the cut edges.

  17. Step 17: Use your reflector until you've finished the photography session.

Detailed Guide

Unless it's already white cardboard, cover it with white paper.

Alternatively, you could light it up even more by using mylar.

To do this, fold it in half.

Do this at 90 degree angles to each other. , See the image for guidance. , This will be a cut line. ,, Here, a circle was drawn so as to know the correct location, then a hole was cut. ,,, As shown here, the small hole goes around the light. , The more you overlap the paper circle, the more focused your light will be.

The less overlapped it is, the broader your light source will appear. , Then throw it away when done, if you choose.

About the Author

J

Jeffrey Martinez

Brings years of experience writing about DIY projects and related subjects.

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