DIY Photography Modifiers You Can Make at Home
You don’t need a full studio or expensive gear to achieve professional-looking lighting. With a few simple tools and a little creativity, you can craft powerful DIY modifiers right at home. Whether you're shooting portraits, products, or food photography, these homemade solutions can elevate your results by controlling light, reducing shadows, and enhancing your subject's features—all without breaking the bank.
DIY modifiers are perfect for photographers who work in small spaces, are just starting out, or simply enjoy the process of building their own tools. The right modifier can transform your light from harsh and unflattering to soft, directional, and cinematic. Best of all, many of these tools can be made from items found at your local craft or hardware store.
Here are my favorite DIY modifiers that I’ve used across different photography genres—and how you can make and use them yourself.
DIY V-Flats: Control and Reflect Light with Foam Board
V-flats are one of the most versatile modifiers in photography, and they’re incredibly easy to make at home. Start with two large pieces of black and white presentation foam board (available at most craft or office supply stores). Use gaffer tape to hinge the boards together along one edge, creating a foldable “V” shape. Add Velcro if you want to keep them closed during transport.
The white side reflects light, softening shadows on your subject—perfect for portraiture, product shoots, or flat lays. The black side absorbs light and can be used to create drama, increase contrast, or flag off unwanted reflections. These are especially useful in tight home studios or small apartments where light control is essential.
Use your V-flat upright next to a window for soft fill light in natural light setups, or angle it opposite a key light in studio scenarios. They’re lightweight, easy to store, and highly effective for any indoor shoot.
Homemade Bounce Cards for Speedlights
If you shoot with speedlights or external flashes, you know how quickly bare flash can flatten or overexpose your subject. Enter the bounce card—a small but mighty tool you can create with white craft foam sheets. Cut the foam to about 5x7 inches and attach it to your flash head with Velcro or a rubber band. When angled upward, it redirects light toward the ceiling or a nearby surface, softening it before it reaches your subject.
This DIY solution is fantastic for on-the-go portrait sessions or indoor events where natural light is minimal. It helps maintain flattering shadows and avoids the harshness of direct flash. You can even make a mini version to fit in your camera bag for emergencies.
Try this with indoor family sessions, food photography in the kitchen, or quick branding shoots at home—anytime you need flattering light in a flash (pun intended).
Presentation Foam Boards as Bounce Surfaces
One of the simplest yet most effective modifiers? A plain white foam board. Set it up opposite your main light source to bounce light back onto your subject. This adds dimension, reduces shadows, and helps balance exposure—especially in natural light setups.
In product photography, foam boards can mimic the effect of softboxes by diffusing light or acting as large, soft reflectors. For food photography, position one just out of frame opposite a window to illuminate textures and colors more evenly.
They’re lightweight, easy to move, and can be cut or shaped to fit your specific needs. Some photographers even mount them on light stands or clips to make them hands-free during longer sessions.
More Creative DIY Modifiers
DIY Diffusers: Stretch a white shower curtain or sheer fabric across a frame or window to soften harsh sunlight. This is a game-changer for portraits and newborn photography where gentle light is key.
Softbox Substitutes: A white umbrella paired with a lamp or continuous light can mimic studio-style softboxes for indoor portraiture. Great for beginners building a budget home studio.
Blackout Flags: Use black foam board or fabric to block spill light or reduce background distractions. Ideal for moody, contrast-heavy shoots like editorial portraits or product shots.
Gold Reflectors: Wrap a board or cardboard in gold foil to create a warm bounce—perfect for sunset-toned portraits or stylized beauty sessions.
The Power of Light—No Studio Required
The beauty of DIY photography modifiers is not just their affordability—it’s the freedom they give you to experiment. With a few well-placed boards and bounce cards, you can manipulate light like a pro in any environment. These tools are especially helpful for photographers working in home studios, small apartments, or limited natural light conditions.
Creating your own modifiers is a reminder that great photography doesn’t rely on expensive gear. It relies on creativity, intention, and a willingness to work with what you have. Whether you're capturing a delicate product shot or a glowing portrait by the window, these DIY tools help you sculpt light with precision—and bring your vision to life.
