How to Build DIY V-Flats for Photography (Step-by-Step Guide)

V-Flats are one of my favorite tools in the world. A V-Flat is a large movable piece of foam board used for shaping light or as a backdrop. You can't imagine how useful a dumb piece of black and white foam could be. However, the perfect foam for them is not always easy to come by and never cheap. If you have a hardware store nearby, you can throw together a pair of these pretty quickly with minimal supplies and effort!

I recently challenged myself to create a whole slew of studio gear, including these V-Flats, as well as a big 9×12 hand-painted canvas backdrop, and a pair of front and back textured walls. Best of all, I did it on a budget and made everything for less than $400! Have you ever even Googled "V-Flats" and seen the price?! I'll wait.

Key Takeaways

• DIY V-Flats are an affordable way to shape, reflect, or block light in your photography studio.

• You can build a pair using foam insulation boards, paint, and tape with just a few hours of work.

• One white side reflects light, while the black side creates negative fill for added contrast.

• Homemade V-Flats deliver many of the same benefits as commercial versions at a fraction of the cost.

• They're useful for portrait photography, studio photography, product photography, and even as simple backdrops.

Steve using one light bounced off one V-Flat and reflected off another on the opposite side. Photo by Chris Daniels, edited with Mastin Labs Artisan B&W preset.

Behind the scenes of the portrait above, showing how the V-Flats shape and control the light. Edited with Mastin Labs Artisan B&W preset.

What Are V-Flats?

V-Flats are one of the simplest and most versatile lighting tools photographers can own. Made from two large foam boards taped together, they fold into a "V" shape that allows them to stand on their own.

The white side reflects light back onto your subject, helping soften shadows and create more even illumination. The black side absorbs light, creating negative fill for more depth and contrast. They can also double as quick, portable backdrops for portraits and studio photography.

If you're still getting comfortable with studio lighting, How to Work With Artificial Light is another great resource to explore.

What You Need to Build Your Own V-Flats

• 2 × ¾" × 4' × 8' foam insulation boards

• 2 rolls of duct tape: one white and one black
  If you already have white and black gaffer tape, even better.)

• Flat white paint
  (If you're building several DIY studio projects, buy a gallon. Otherwise, one quart is plenty.)

• 1 quart of flat black paint

• Paint roller and accessories

• Plastic sheeting

How To Build Your Own V-Flats

You need to lay the boards flat on the ground to paint them. Sweep and clean the work area of any dust or debris, then lay out the plastic sheeting to protect both the V-Flats and your workspace.

Step 1: Paint Your V-Flats

Lay out your first board on the plastic and roll on your white paint. Be sure to cover the entire surface with a nice, even coat.

I painted the boards in two half steps, painting an "M" before spreading it out evenly. Edited with Mastin Labs Artisan B&W preset.

Stand the board up against something to dry and move on to the black one.

You may notice that you can still see through the first coat a bit. If you can, apply a second coat or even a third if needed. By the time you finish the first coat of the last board, your first board will be dry enough to apply the second coat.

Let the first colour dry for at least one hour and then repeat the process on the opposite side using the opposite colour. Each board should end up with one white side and one black side.

Each finished board should have one white side for reflecting light and one black side for creating negative fill. Edited with Mastin Labs Artisan B&W preset.

Step 2: Tape Your V-Flats Together

Using the white tape, run a strip all the way around the outside edge of each board. I find it easiest to do this one edge at a time. Run one long strip from corner to corner, letting it stick to the edge before folding it neatly over both sides.

The tape helps protect the edges from dents and damage, which is especially useful if you're regularly moving your V-Flats around the studio.

Lay the boards flat and leave approximately a half-inch gap between them.

Run the tape directly over the gap you've left between the boards.

Once the centre strip of tape is in place, run another strip on either side, allowing them to overlap.

The overlapping strips reinforce the hinge and improve durability.

Once everything is neat and secure, flip the boards over and repeat the process on the opposite side.

Tape Them Together

Lay the boards flat next to each other with the same colour facing up.

Leave about a half-inch gap between them, then tape the boards together using the matching colour tape. The gap allows the boards to swing freely in both directions.

One quick tip: avoid kneeling directly on the foam. Place a piece of thick cardboard underneath your knees so your weight doesn't leave permanent dents.

Lay the boards flat and leave a half inch gap between them.

Run the tape right over the gap that you left open.

Once the center strip of tape is in place, run another strip on either side of the first, allowing them to overlap.

The overlapping tape keeps the hinge strong.

Once you have it all nice and neat, flip the boards over and do the same process for the opposite side.

And you’re done! Enjoy the budget-friendly V-Flat you made on your very own.

Why Every Photographer Should Own a Pair of V-Flats

V-Flats are one of those pieces of studio equipment that earn their place on almost every shoot.

You can use them to:

• Reflect light onto your subject.

• Create negative fill for more dramatic portraits.

• Block unwanted light spill.

• Reduce distracting reflections.

• Create a clean, minimalist backdrop.

• Control natural window light just as effectively as studio strobes.

Whether you're photographing portraits, products, or editorial work, V-Flats give you far more control over your lighting without requiring expensive equipment.

If you're building a home studio, A Guide to Indoor Photography Lighting is another useful read.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are V-Flats used for?

V-Flats are used to reflect light, absorb light, block unwanted spill, create negative fill, and even serve as portable backdrops for photography.

Why are V-Flats black and white?

The white side reflects light to brighten your subject, while the black side absorbs light to create contrast and shape shadows.

What's the best material for DIY V-Flats?

Rigid foam insulation boards are lightweight, inexpensive, easy to paint, and widely available, making them the most popular choice.

Can I use DIY V-Flats outdoors?

Yes, but they're lightweight and can easily catch the wind. If you're shooting outdoors, use sandbags or have an assistant hold them in place.

Are homemade V-Flats as good as commercial ones?

For most photographers, yes. DIY V-Flats offer many of the same lighting benefits at a much lower cost, making them an excellent option for home and professional studios alike.