How to Make a Bounce Card for a Speedlight

A bounce card, a large piece of material that bounces light on a subject, is used in both the professional photography and filmmaking world. You can spend up to $400 on a professional bounce board, or you can use these techniques to build a very cheap model that works just as well. The bounce card is usually held by an assistant to capture sunlight or more light from a lighting source to direct it to the subject's face.

• 1

  Lay the Styrofoam sheet on the ground. Peel off enough aluminum foil to cover one side. It is OK if you have to overlap the sheets, as that will not affect the lighting. Peel off just enough to barely wrap over the edges.

• 2

  Tape the foil to the Styrofoam using the gaffer's tape. Gaffer's tape is best because it is very sticky, durable and non-reflective. Tape just around the edge to secure the foil to the foam.

• 3

  Put the cardboard strips on the edges where you just taped the foil. Tape the strips to the foam. The cardboard will act as a tough layer to keep the foam in its original shape and prevent it from deteriorating.