What's best to use as a reflector?

[rhoraq]

I'm making my own reflector and have had some advice, but what's the best way? Either white poster board or white foam board just by itself or should I spray paint it silver? Thanks!

[zona5101]

Foamcore is great because it is easier to handle by an assistant or gaffered to your stand. (less bending etc). Posterboard is easy to find and easy to transport because you can roll it up. In either case I'd leave it white. Unless you want the specular bright fill that siver gives, use white . It is a flatter, smoother reflective surface. And no paint to mess with.

[BryanC]

Whatever you use can be two-sided also. White on one side, gold or silver on the other. The foam board is relatively inexpensive and sturdier than posterboard. Keep one side white for when you want a white reflector. Use aluminum foil for a silver reflector or gold gift wrapping paper for a gold reflector. Crinkle up whichever you use and spread back out. This will diffuse the light better. As cheap as you can make them, you can have an assortment of different reflectors for different effects or situations. There are even certain types of foam board that already come in different colors, also.

[rhoraq]

Cool! Thanks so much!