One of the most useful pieces of lighting gear a studio photographer can have doesn't actually have a light in it. Check out how v-flats can help you shape your light in this great video.
Coming to you from Manny Ortiz, this helpful video shows how he uses v-flats to shape his light. If you've not seen them before, v-flats are basically large pieces of foam board or something similar that are hinged in the middle and have black on one side and white on the other. Having the black on one side allows you to deepen the shadows on your subject, while the white on the other side acts as a reflector. In addition to controlling light, you can also use them as a background or to build a set. Oritz is using a pair of V-Flat World Portable V-Flats with just a single light; if you don't need the extra portability, you can also make your own.
Of course, there are some drawbacks to using v-flats, the most obvious probably being that they're not really meant to be used outside, as the slightest hint of wind quickly turns them into sails. Check out the video above to see how they can change the look of your photos.
Hope Chinese will catch up with this soon and sell them for 40 quid on amazon + free delivery.
I like Ortiz, he is got a great Youtube channel. Regarding those V-flats, as usual, some $5 items marketed for photographers are now $150.
"Make it yourself" is a dying concept, especially for people suffering from GAS.
Oh, here's a DIY for a foldable reflector at <ahem> diyphotography.net. Two of these and you're in business.
https://www.diyphotography.net/how-to-make-a-2-in-1-diy-foldable-reflect...
I did it myself in less than 30 minutes. It looks great. I did not bother with a folding one but that would be as easy as cutting and taping the two halves. It cost me less than $30 and I have three 4x8 panels.
Of course if one suffers from GAS syndrome his/hers problems are much bigger :-)