Spray paint can easily convert an everyday umbrella into a photographer's light umbrella.
Used in photography to soften light, create lighting effects, and eliminate shadows, light umbrellas have a reflective surface on the underside to bounce light onto the object being photographed. A simple light umbrella can be constructed from a rain umbrella using little more than reflective paint.
Instructions
1. Work outdoors if possible, otherwise, work in a well-ventilated space. Lay down newspaper on the ground or a sturdy work surface. Open the umbrella and set it onto the newspaper so that the underside is pointing toward you.
2. Spray a light, even coat of the paint onto the underside of the umbrella, ensuring that all the fabric is coated. A paint that is formulated for use on fabrics will work best. Do not over saturate the fabric with the spray.
3. Allow the paint to dry for several hours. A second or even a third coat of silver spray might be required before light bounces off of the reflective paint properly. Allow the paint to dry fully between each coat. Once the final coat of paint is dry, attach the umbrella to a stand and use it in conjunction with your lighting source.
Tags: Allow paint, coat paint, reflective paint