How to Fold a Reflector

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

After you're finished a photo or film shoot, it's time to pack up your gear. However, the reflector can be difficult to fold into a compact size. No amount of pushing and pulling will stop it from bouncing back to its original form. There are several ways to solve this headache. You can use the traditional twisting or taco method first for smaller reflectors, but a large reflector requires a special strategy.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Twisting the Reflector

PDF download Download Article
  1. Pick the reflector up and hold it at opposite sides. Make sure your hands are at the far right and far left of the reflector. [1]
    • Your fingers will be clutching the outside.
  2. Let go of the reflector with your left hand. Move your shoulder and arm up so you can reverse the grip. Now, your fingers will clutch the side facing you. [2]
    • This may feel uncomfortable, but you won't have to hold the position for very long.
    Advertisement
  3. Make sure your left hand is gripping the reflector in the reverse grip with your fingers facing you. Then, twist your left hand clockwise with the reflector. Your grip will revert to its original position. As you rotate your hand around, the reflector will twist into the shape of the number 8. [3]
    • You should now be holding the reflector like a steering wheel again.
  4. Gripping the reflector, twist your right hand counter-clockwise until it's in the reverse grip. Your fingers should be on the side facing you. [4]
  5. With these twists, the reflector is almost folded. You can put it away at this stage. If you'd prefer it to be more compact, push both sides of the reflector towards each other. Once they align, you can let go. It will keep its folded shape until you unfurl it again. [5]
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Trying the Taco Fold

PDF download Download Article
  1. Pick the reflector up with both hands, imagining that you're holding a steering wheel. Grip both sides tight so that you don't lose your grip. [6]
  2. Bring both of your hands together as you grip the reflector. The reflector will push out to the ground. As your hands draw nearer, the reflector will loosen on both sides. [7]
    • Crumples and creases indicate loose material. If the material is still firm, try folding different sides together.
  3. Both sides of the reflector should be flopping down. The reflector will compress naturally as you fold the furthest side inwards. [8]
    • Give the reflector time to make the natural folds and twists it needs to.
  4. You've now folded the reflector. If both sides of the reflector aren't aligned, push and pull them until they are touching each other. You can now let go of the reflector. It will keep its compact form. [9]
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Folding a Large Reflector

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sometimes, a reflector is too big to carry. Try this method if the reflector is too wide to hold from both sides. Stand the reflector up on the floor. Then, slide your foot under the center. [10]
  2. Once you've lodged your foot underneath the reflector, stretch your arms out as wide as you can and grip the reflector. [11]
  3. You'll need to adjust your grip to properly fold the reflector. Rest your hands over it so the edge runs along your palms. Grip the outer face with your thumbs, then, curl your palms and fingers along the inside edge. [12]
  4. You will need to complete two actions at the same time. First, begin to lower your body with your legs so that you can follow the natural folding of the reflector. As you're lowering your body, twist your hands clockwise. The reflector will crumple as you descend. [13]
    • You may need to practice this motion several times until you can pull it off seamlessly.
  5. Sometimes both sides of the reflector won't align. Push the sides towards each other until they're touching. The reflector is now folded. [14]
    • To unfurl it, pry apart the fold and it will spring outwards.
    6. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Simple Steps to Convert a Video into a Live Photo
      How to
      See Who Viewed Your VSCO Profile & Photos
      Boudoir Photography: Everything You Need to Know
      How to
      Make a Pinhole Camera
      How to
      Build a Darkroom
      How to
      Stretch a Photo
      How to
      Be Photogenic
      How to
      Take High Resolution Photos
      How to
      Photograph Old Photos
      How to
      Make a Stereoscope
      How to
      Measure Distance in a Photo
      How to
      Make Your Own Backdrops for Photoshoots
      How to
      Develop Your Photography Skills
      How to
      Take Professional Photos of Yourself
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/YjlsP9KDjcs?t=32
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/YjlsP9KDjcs?t=36
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/YjlsP9KDjcs?t=43
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/YjlsP9KDjcs?t=54
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/YjlsP9KDjcs?t=62
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/L20IEstiJ-g?t=58
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/L20IEstiJ-g?t=63
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/L20IEstiJ-g?t=72
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/YjlsP9KDjcs?t=62
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/JqzBqp5QtKQ?t=3
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/JqzBqp5QtKQ?t=3
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/JqzBqp5QtKQ?t=11
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/JqzBqp5QtKQ?t=14
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/YjlsP9KDjcs?t=62

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 29,541 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement