Small V-Flat Light Modifer DIY

These are plans to make a small, lightweight V-Flat. V-Flats are a very useful light modifier in the photo studio that are generally made from 1/2" to 1" thick 4' x 8' sheets of Gatorboard or other thick foamcore boards that are black on one side and white on the other. You hinge them together with tape and get a large light modifier that can also be used as a background.

They're very useful for standing subjects and the softness of the light can be altered by opening or closing the v-flat so it acts as a larger or smaller light source.

Black and white Gatorboard is difficult to find locally and even then is a bit expensive. I also wanted a smaller v-flat that would work better in my space and I didn't want it to be to thick and bulky.

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DIY PVC Scrim Plans with Folding Legs

Call it a diffusion panel, call it a reflector, or throw black fabric over it and call it a flag. Whatever you want to call it, it's worth making one and keeping it in your studio. You'll save a lot compared to buying one and you can customize it to suit your needs. I looked at a few different DIY diffusion panel designs out there and they didn't work for me so I came up with my own.

With a translucent fabric on the frame it can create a very beautiful soft light by placing a light behind it and shooting through. With the same white sheet you can place it opposite your main light and use it as a reflector to lighten the shadow side of your subject. To block stray light and create higher contrast shots drape a black sheet over the frame.

For me, I wanted a big scrim. The diffusion area of mine will be about 7'6" tall by 4'6" wide. Plus a little extra height for the legs. I wanted it to stand on it's own and I also wanted to be able to store it against the wall easily. That's why the legs can fold up so everything is flat.

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