How to Fold a Reflector

Co-authored by David Zhang

Last Updated: March 29, 2019 References

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

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1
Hold the reflector in front of you like a steering wheel. 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]
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- Your fingers will be clutching the outside.
2
Reverse the grip with your left hand. 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]
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- This may feel uncomfortable, but you won't have to hold the position for very long.
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3
Twist your left hand clockwise. 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]
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- You should now be holding the reflector like a steering wheel again.
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]
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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]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Trying the Taco Fold

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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]
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2
Fold both sides together. 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]
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- Crumples and creases indicate loose material. If the material is still firm, try folding different sides together.
3
Grab the furthest side and fold it into itself. Both sides of the reflector should be flopping down. The reflector will compress naturally as you fold the furthest side inwards.^{[8]
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- Give the reflector time to make the natural folds and twists it needs to.
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]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Folding a Large Reflector

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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]
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Once you've lodged your foot underneath the reflector, stretch your arms out as wide as you can and grip the reflector.^{[11]
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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]
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4
Twist the reflector as you lower your body. 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]
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- You may need to practice this motion several times until you can pull it off seamlessly.
5
Perform any small adjustments to the fold. 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]
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- To unfurl it, pry apart the fold and it will spring outwards.