Experimental analysis of thin flat plates to determine moments and deflections using the method of reflected light and the particular technique developed by Ligtenberg is investigated. Circular plates of two thicknesses and two methods of loading are used to evaluate the method. The experimental results obtained for moments and deflections are compared with analytical solutions in each case using the usual thin plate theory. It was concluded that the Ligtenberg method can be used to advantage by engineers in analyzing plates which because of their shape support conditions, or method of loading are not easily analyzed using purely analytical methods.