Light of the World

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. If you have ever seen a moving fan blade you can understand this concept. When you shine point sources of light at the balloon the body of the balloon disappears yet the light reflects off of the surface. When you move the balloon back and forth or in a circle the lights constantly go over the same path thereby creating trails of light that look like laser circles or sickles of light. Add color to the light sources and you have amazing Technicolor trails of laser-like-light.

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.

Uses for Reflectors

If you are a musician who works regularly under stage lights you have the perfect opportunity to add an exciting light show to your performance. They can be used both on stage and out in the audience creating a feeling of unity between the performers and the fans. The reflectors are easier to play than air guitar and much more beautiful. Church choirs can glorify God by "letting their light so shine." Dance troops may want to add them to their performances. Precision drill teams can really show their stuff using the reflectors in drills. Cheerleaders can use the reflectors in their routines. At home you can trip out to the lights alone in your room using a simple party bulb or actually throw a reflector party where everyone gets a reflector and dances with it to music.

Background

Reflectors work best when used against a dark background. Black is the best.