DIY Reflector Hack for Outdoor Video and Photography

Make your own reflector for awesome outdoor video and photography. It's lightweight, portable and very easy to set up. I amazed myself how effective this device is. Here is the actual video on my health channel made with this device • Do You Feel Trapped ? Enjoy and subscribe for more DIY hacks, tips, Hollywood tricks, reviews and giveaways.
portable versatile stand for travel, hiking and uneven ground- Promaster LS-CT www.amazon.com...
Grip head www.bhphotovid...
baby pin plate www.bhphotovid...
Lumix 12-32 kit lens www.amazon.com...
Giveaway rules are at www.markusPixFr...
Subscribe and tell your friends about MarkusPix
My Health channel is www.thehealthyl...
See photoshoot images of Cara at www.shortsillus...
The Markus and Cara Instagram page is / markusandcara
Cara's personal Instagram is / iamcarabrotman
Markus health products (things that I use personally) www.markusproducts.com

[@JF..]

Markus, you are a genius! No kidding. I enjoy your videos because it’s practical. Not like others who just sit in their office and talk about gears without actually trying them out.

[@Hammerpedia]

Your lighting skills are world class. I'd love to a series of tutorials on indoor lighting.

[@spudwas]

Always good to hear my only camera that I can afford called "Cheap Plastic." Well, someday (if I'm lucky) I can afford a GH5 or better yet, a G9. But for now, back to my "Cheap Plastic" one.

[@MarkusPix]

I gave away my brand new GH5s, because I love the cheap plastic ones! That's pretty much all I use, even though I have ones that cost five thousand or more

[@spudwas]

@@MarkusPix Oh okay, thanks.I was a little depressed about my camera purchase, that is, until your reply! Thanks again.

[@jacksonira6345]

love your idea using plastic bags as sand bags to keep light stands from falling over !!

[@MarkusPix]

How dare I promote something that doesn't cost money!

[@richiebricker]

Wow, Thanks. Ive tried using reflectors then try to prop it up against something at the right angle is impossible. You are the MacGuyver of photography

[@docmalibu1157]

Those car windshield reflector things can be useful too! I haven't been into photography for a while because i'm a lifelong musician. Making LoFi-Def videos along the way to learn editing and so forth. I have song melodies that can fall out of my head, but interesting video concepts, scenes, locations not so much! Any help in the video making area is highly needed by alot of home studio producers. I especially learn from your behind the scenes content, and the shoot-outs. You Rock!

[@dmkays]

This is a good companion to your 1 person slider video. I enjoy learning all your tips and tricks.

[@MarkusPix]

Thankya, thankya very much

[@Provia400F]

Now I need to think up a way to quarter this down to size for a large backpack. Thanks for the good tips and DIY.

[@johnries2682]

I like your unpretentious manner and your videos are enjoyable to watch. I think you provide a good pragmatic approach to alternative lighting methods focusing on cost savings and many people need that type of information. So, input like yours is valuable. I also like taking alternative approaches and doing modifications all the time simply to facilitate practicality. As a tidbit of additional info for your suggestions if people go to a decent fabric store you can often find fantastic reflective silver and gold metallic fabrics where they generally sell upholstery or costume making fabric. It's very cheap and very durable, easy to spray mount to any flat substrate like foam core or anything else. There are also many additional ways to attach foam core and reflectors / scrims to a light stand too. Keep up your nice videos ...

[@daleclark3138]

I can always count on you for a weekly dose of common sense. Very nice considering it is lacking anywhere else you look. Been taking my super cheap EM-1 on nature walks after updating the firmware from 1.1 to 4.6. Thanks for the video and the scenery.

[@ericalvarez9345]

When you start getting comments that your videos look fake or green screened you know your lighting is on point lol I love how much emphasis he always puts on lighting. It's currently my obsession when recording videos now. I already purchased on the spot lights from his spot light video and it's been a game changer lol thanks my friend for your awesome content

[@zouhairbenazzouz2536]

my favorite inventor of youtube ! huge kiss to youband your beautiful muse !!!

[@theadventurebiker]

This is a great tip, my friend!!! 👍👍👍

[@klcwradiolakecityseattle3836]

yer killin it with the diy hacks ! so glad I found yer channel!!

[@rickymcc8624]

Cool idea Markus. I love how you look at things. It's lightweight and practical in most respects, but the large flat area is still difficult to transport any real distance if you are working solo. But, great idea. I can see how you might re-engineer a large flat surface into something like a 'pole' which morphs into a quasi 'roller blind' silver foil type reflector. Thinking further it's not that dissimilar an idea as the California sun bounce'. Super bright.

[@MarkusPix]

I have the cal sun bounce and like it, but the price is not friendly.

[@OLDManGamer2068]

Way cool, I feel you have some of the most wonderful Ideas that don't cost a lot but are very effective. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@MarkusPix]

Glad you like them!

[@ThomasBryant]

I once used a large Bible opened up as a "white" reflector to add some fill to my brides face. The flash was behind her and offset to create separation and the bible reflected that light onto her face. It worked great and I "wowed" all of my peers during the shoot.

[@MarkusPix]

yeah I heard the light of God is pretty bright

[@alial-hassan1261]

Keep on uploading such videos. They are very useful. Thanks

[@BUILTDIESELMAFIA]

Awesome helpful stuff here!

[@larryhaley3]

Great idea brother, lightweight and quick set up and best of all, low cost! Love the long leg Promaster! Awesome piece! Sending you and Miss Cara love and peace!

[@philtimmons722]

Hey Markus -- just wanted to say THANK YOU for (your) channel and great advice. I am a Teacher dealing with remote teaching due to Covid. While we (Teachers) tend to know our own topics -- the portions you specialize in -- video, audio, equipment, and production quality -- are sorely lacking. So I am trying to put together decent, but budget constrained equipment and methods for Remote Teaching, and your videos are a Great Help. And btw, with your detailed information, fun approach, and sincere love of your topics . . . you would be (and are) a Great Teacher, as well. Thank You, again.

[@Shieldsofshame]

I am binge watching your videos, you are brilliant, I need all the DIY cheap help I can get!! Thanks bro, subbed and liked!!

[@MarkusPix]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Piet-fromN]

You have always good construction ideals for camera and light,.... !!! keep going with your great ideas !!!!

[@MarkusPix]

Glad you like them!

[@stayawhileandlisten888]

once again, Markus is showing his cleverness!

[@michael_viteritti]

Awesome, thx for sharing. Even without the tripod, two types of reflector =)

[@albailey6875]

Simply genius

[@lucianocasenave2713]

Great video as always markus! very informative for poor people in wasted countries like mine!

[@rolosaenz]

You can cover the reflector with a white blanket and you have a less harsh strong light , Awesome as always Markus!!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@olivertruswell]

I recently did a shoot on the beach where this would have been so handy! We ended up waiting for golden hour but then you're restricted to 30 mins and the light changes so quickly. Great vid :) not sure they sell foam core in Aus though

[@MiaHessMusic]

How about white cardboard, Oliver? or even regular cardboard, like from a box?

[@BillDubeVariety]

Amazing video and energy. Thanks again Markus. :) Now we search for the GRIP BABY PIN. :) And Promaster LS-CT

[@MarkusPix]

links below the video

[@AlainLafleche1]

what a nice view, thx Markus

[@benec5816]

I just can not get over the fantastic ways you come up with great ideas to get better photos at a cheaper way thanks heaps stay safe and take care

[@shannonbilger5301]

It was so simple and obvious, how didn't I ever think of it. Thanks for the excellent tips.

[@victorhfloresmendoza3145]

Greetings I have been watching your videos for a week and I love it, continue with your channel you are a great photographer and your reviews and experiments help us.

[@rudyothman8910]

Oh man this is a great idea. I'll definitely try this on my A3 canvas board at home. Cheers Markus.

[@thepug2544]

You are a real genius artist... yes, the most are nerds and not really practical

[@thepug2544]

Perfect solution

[@dennisdavidson4271]

Great idea

[@donbrooks8479]

Great Idea! I will try it.

[@raym1705]

Great idea!

[@chriscutress1460]

Just ordered a couple of those stands (Promaster LS-CT ). A little more expensive to Canada.

[@mikldude9376]

Great idea mate , thanks for that , it looks look pretty warm out there , hope you had a couple of nice cold ones after that ;) .

[@MarkusPix]

Yes I had 5 iced teas

[@ericalvarez9345]

I would love to see you make a video where you take your lighting equipment and tips and walk us through setting up proper exposures in your camera outside of just having it on auto mode. thanks!

[@GastonShutters]

I have that stand and love it. I wish it was just one foot higher.

[@MarkusPix]

Agreed. But then the base would probably not be able to hold it well.

[@behindthegreenscreen]

Great content, Markus. Thanks for showing how to do things at various price points. I also search for equipment that is light, compact, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg for travel. Everything used to fit in my backpack, but with my drone I now have a small carry-on for travel. But once I'm at my destination, it's basically all backpack as all my charging and related equipment is left at the hotel.

[@MarkusPix]

I can't wait till they have an insect sized silent drone

[@annettebernabe1941]

Great idea!!👍🏽

[@TomiBonTomi_2.0]

Thanks Markus McGyver! :)

[@bigbear-yj6zw]

Very good idea.,👍

[@dwmspace]

Nice tip if you don’t mind carrying that reflector around. Could get a bit cumbersome, not due to weight but size. Otherwise I’d prefer using a standard reflector that can be folded and packed away with like a telescopic reflector holder/bracket to hold it. Essentially the same thing but would cost about $40 plus the light stand.

[@MarkusPix]

I've found those collapsible reflectors are usually only good if someone holds it because even the slightest breeze makes them move around. A hard board stays put much better, but yes the size makes it more cumbersome.

[@alantuttphotography]

Going with the MacGuyver theme, I can imagine packing a set of connecting PVC pipe pieces to act as a frame for a cloth diffusor/reflector. With a set of bungee ties and grommets on the cloth, it might be sturdy enough for a light breeze. Having a 2nd stand to mount it on would also make it more sturdy.

[@MarkusPix]

PVC has some give and bends a bit and you are suggesting diffusion vs reflector in which case you might as well just use a big white umbrella or 4x4 frame like this kzbin.info/www/bejne/imO8dnaZg56jmLM but foamcore is more rigid and weighs less than PVC frame

[@alantuttphotography]

@@MarkusPix I remember that video. I think it was one of the first I saw from you. Yeah, the diffusion umbrellas would work fine too. The main reason I suggested PVC was because David wanted a more portable reflector and you suggested the pop-up reflectors weren't sturdy enough. I agree that anything that works is fine to use.

[@Megamare1]

Free light source ☀️ 💯 Good stuff Markus 🤙🏽

[@hudgonsphotography]

That was genius, now I don't have to pay someone to hold a reflector

[@insanejughead]

Come on, Markus, give us a break! I'm still going broke doing ALL of these cheap alternatives you keep teaching us. Haha! Again, thank you for everything you share with us.

[@HGQjazz]

"So this week, I am going to give a way a roll of tin foil!!" Love your vids and your generosity Markus!

[@MarkusPix]

yeah I know tin foil can break the bank

[@insanejughead]

I'm good on tin foil for now; I was hoping for a foam core board giveaway... 😎 Glad you have a sense of humor Markus! God bless you and the MP team.

[@AraceaeFanatics]

Great cheap gadget!

[@UpUplifted]

Markus you could even make that reflecter panel fold in half with some hinges.

[@MarkusPix]

Then the mounting pin couldn't be in the middle and the surface would not be as rigid and perfectly flat as it is now, plus weigh more.

[@UpUplifted]

@@MarkusPix just an idea make it easier to transport.. Nice work Markus :)

[@daylight5500]

Nice!

[@Capius1272]

Love the lighting based videos. Thank you kind sir!

[@MarkusPix]

My pleasure!

[@Ka_Hikina]

Love it!

[@ScottWinters]

Great thinking outside the box. Awesome idea.

[@CharestStudios]

Thanks, Marcus! You have been a great inspiration! I recently got my first camcorder and I'm hooked. Thanks so much for all you do! Love both your channels!

[@MarkusPix]

Great to hear!

[@AMDRADEONRUBY]

Nice video as ever

[@jayacustico9518]

Nice video!

[@deadendkid1968]

Promaster is the brand Wolfes here in Topeka pushes...I have a lot of their tripods....

[@BackFocus11]

Great videos as always Markus. FYI the intro was a little trippy. The video is out of sync with the audio. Anyway love the tips. Great channel.

[@MarkusPix]

The opening shot was not me talking- that was a shot from this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGqTeaewpr-bpJo Funny I know it looks like the audio supposed to be from the video being shown

[@ModMax69]

Dude , I thought your audio was way out of sync at the beginning. That was cool

[@rudolfabelin383]

As usual, thank you Markus!!!

[@PatrickJaszewski]

Looks really good! Thanks sharing Markus!

[@MiaHessMusic]

Great idea! Have you ever done videos about super-cheap ways to vlog or do YT videos with your cell phone?? Like lighting and such. I do music video [song, instrument] for YT and since I love your approach to stuff I'd be really interested to hear/see what you have to say. Also, I'd be interested in videos for older women (like 60s) who want or need to look nice in video. I look like the Crypt Keeper but I don't have a ton of money to spend on lightboxes. Almost nobody does videos for shooting older women!!! And with someone wearing glasses?? BTW, you have the nicest hair on YT! And your wife is gorgeous! How can you shots, video NOT look nice with her in them?

[@MarkusPix]

Soft lighting is key. Use a big window with bed sheet kzbin.info/www/bejne/imjKemWna61shpI

[@wswess3998]

i think its easier if you bring a large white backdrop and just put it in the ground

[@mst6734]

cool! thats the same way i tan

[@ASMROW]

Would it work at night? To reflect moon light?

[@EugenioTrainer]

I never use a light that reflects at an angle from the ground, in my opinion it is not natural, you can see the loop in your nose , great video and thanks for sharing, I am going to buy that stand

[@MarkusPix]

I sit on the ground a lot so it's eye level

[@eugenio9775]

@@MarkusPix you are right, thanks for your answer

[@simonkennedy6116]

I made my bounce boards out of cardboard and gold and silver wrapping paper then made a runner hold them in place

[@MarkusPix]

You stopped a jogger and said "hey hold this!" ?

[@simonkennedy6116]

@@MarkusPix Do you call them gophers over there?

[@ericalvarez9345]

Hey Markus, could you do a video or offer some of your creative out of the box economical ideas for suitable tripods that can be used with a jib/crane and are considered "heavy duty" I have an old tripod I used with an Amazon jib that I used with my 12lbs camera setup and about 20lbs of counterweights, needless to say the tripod did not last very long with all weight and looking online I can't find any affordable tripods or out of the box options that can hold 40 or more lbs. There are options out there that can take 50 or up to 80 lbs but we are looking at 350 to 1000 dollars. The most "Markus" solution I could somewhat think about but I can't figure out is somehow using one of those DJ speaker stands/tripods that are dirt cheap and can easily hold like 70lbs but just don't have a way to add a 1/4 thread to attach the jib. Any pointers or tips would be greatly appreciated, you have some great ideas so I figured I should consult with you first. Thanks!!!!

[@arabadabaeats5893]

Love the vids!

[@KenKnorr]

@markuspix That's a great hack. Have you tried reflective mylar? I can imagine that the aluminum foil gets scratched/torn easily during transport. You might find the mylar to be a little tougher and its pretty cheap too..

[@rolosaenz]

Something like this ? www.eplastics.com/POLYALU0-005X27-5?

[@jdawg63000]

Great budget hack. This may sound like a dumb question but do you find any brand of tin foil works better? I've noticed some cheaper brands look shinier than say Reynolds wrap brand. Or maybe it's a non stick coating.

[@MarkusPix]

I get the extra large thick kind

[@oo0RECON0oo]

Do you have a solution to carry all your gear and light stands (4) into outdoor locations? Without spilling?

[@MarkusPix]

I'll put on my list to make a fav stand carrying bag video

[@rupjyotifilmydhamaka8901]

I need a 📷

[@LoveChristJesus]

Great! But I still wait the video on how do you make money...

[@MarkusPix]

1- kzbin.info/www/bejne/q37IZJukhbqqm7s 2- kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXK6dpJufcZrqpY 3- kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYbKd2qcis2djbM more soon

[@LoveChristJesus]

@@MarkusPix Thanks man, you are my favorite KZbinr guy(and I don't exagerate).God bless you!

[@kenbest7660]

Be even nicer if you could make it foldable.

[@MarkusPix]

That would be nice but then the mounting pin couldn't be centered and the surface would not be perfectly flat and hard-rigid plus the hinges would add weight

[@atanuswere2664]

.

[@link0587]

Great idea!!