Dynamic Light Reflector Instructions

Reflector Theory

The Dynamic Reflectors work by reflecting point sources of light. The convex shape of the balloon reflects light in all directions. The process works due to two basic factors; color and motion. Because the balloon is black, when it is put into motion it disappears. This is because black is really the absence of color. When you shine point sources of light at the balloon the body of the balloon disappears yet the light reflects off of the surface.

Basic Movements

The brightest reflections are produced when the reflector moves rapidly over the same path again and again. There are two simple ways to do this. One is to flip the reflector back and forth in your hand from side to side. That will produce arch like reflections. The second basic movement is to spin the reflector around in circles by holding the stem and spinning it like a lasso. You can also make large sweeping movements such as a figure eight. This you can do either fast or slow. You can also make large circles by swinging your whole arm around. Be careful not to do it too fast. You may injure yourself.


Lighting

To produce trails of light similar to those at the top of the page you would need six different colored floodlights. You do not need that many however, as every light that you do have will produce its own trail. You may want more than six. 25 watt party bulbs that are sold in many lighting and hardware stores are great for making reflections and are a great value. They come in a variety of colors and are so economical that you probably can afford to use some of each color. You need not buy any bulbs at all as streetlights make perfect light sources for reflecting. If you stand slightly off to the side of a streetlight on a clear night and spin the reflector over your head then look up you should see what appears to be a halo over head.

Stage lights and the lights found in many nightclubs also are very good for reflecting from. Florescent lights, neon lights, other linear and odd shaped light sources make poor reflector light sources. The key things to look for in selecting your light sources is that they be round and have a clear or translucent finish. Placement of the light source in relation to the reflector is a matter of personal taste. You may use the reflector close to or further away from its light source. Of course the brightness will vary accordingly. You can choose the colors to use to fit the occasion. You can choose red, white and blue for Independence Day, green and red for Christmas, all red for Valentines Day, all green for St. Patrick's Day and all white for The Day of the Lord. You can even reflect from candlelight. Laser pens make the perfect portable light source.

Background

Reflectors work best when used against a dark background. Black is the best. Other colors that work well are dark blues, burgundy, purples and browns. Medium colors also do not affect the performance of the reflectors. When you can avoid it try not to use the reflectors in a white room. The color of your clothes also makes a difference. If your clothes are dark you can hold the reflectors down in front of your body while demonstrating them for friends.

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