Silent Bob
02-07-2007, 03:08 AM
Some of the things I've found work well when starting out and looking for a decent shot.
"Home Depot" Lighting.
These are the shop lights you can pick up for $5-10 each. Consisting of a socket, a silver reflector dish and a short cord, these can do a fair job in lighting, though you'll have to use longer exposures to compensate for the relative dimness of the lights. Use "Natural" lights for best results. Natural lights are those that say "Daylight" on the label. Not all "Daylight" bulbs are the same, so look for those rated at close to 5000K on the label to be close to bright sunlight.
"Wronkled" sheets.
PooPooed by a number of "serious" photographers, the use of a bed sheet as a backdrop is a good starting point before spending more serious money on muslins. Avoid using "well loved" sheets, and ironing them is a must to get a smooth background. Solid colors work best here.
Cheap backdrop holders.
You can tack the backdrops to a wall, but that can tear them. Instead, visit your local plumbing supply store and grab several lengths of basic 1" PVC pipe and assorted fittings. You can easily build a custom backdrop holder that easily breaks down for convenient storage for under $20.
Cheap Light Stands
The same PVC pipe and fittings that make up your backdrop holder can in a pinch also serve as a simple light stand for your shop light lighting. You may have to weigh it down to ensure stability.
Diffusing light
Hit a budget fabric store and buy some of the sheer fabric used in curtains. Hang it several feet in front of your shop lights to create a soft even lighting that wraps around your subject.
Reflecting light
* Hit a fabric shop and buy some shiny metallic silver or gold fabric and use your PVC to build a reflector holder.
* Use a shiny windshield protector as a flexible reflector
* Use white foamcore board
* spraypaint thin plywood silver or gold.
(gold warms the light while silver reflects it)
Feel free to add your own tips and tricks :)
"Home Depot" Lighting.
These are the shop lights you can pick up for $5-10 each. Consisting of a socket, a silver reflector dish and a short cord, these can do a fair job in lighting, though you'll have to use longer exposures to compensate for the relative dimness of the lights. Use "Natural" lights for best results. Natural lights are those that say "Daylight" on the label. Not all "Daylight" bulbs are the same, so look for those rated at close to 5000K on the label to be close to bright sunlight.
"Wronkled" sheets.
PooPooed by a number of "serious" photographers, the use of a bed sheet as a backdrop is a good starting point before spending more serious money on muslins. Avoid using "well loved" sheets, and ironing them is a must to get a smooth background. Solid colors work best here.
Cheap backdrop holders.
You can tack the backdrops to a wall, but that can tear them. Instead, visit your local plumbing supply store and grab several lengths of basic 1" PVC pipe and assorted fittings. You can easily build a custom backdrop holder that easily breaks down for convenient storage for under $20.
Cheap Light Stands
The same PVC pipe and fittings that make up your backdrop holder can in a pinch also serve as a simple light stand for your shop light lighting. You may have to weigh it down to ensure stability.
Diffusing light
Hit a budget fabric store and buy some of the sheer fabric used in curtains. Hang it several feet in front of your shop lights to create a soft even lighting that wraps around your subject.
Reflecting light
* Hit a fabric shop and buy some shiny metallic silver or gold fabric and use your PVC to build a reflector holder.
* Use a shiny windshield protector as a flexible reflector
* Use white foamcore board
* spraypaint thin plywood silver or gold.
(gold warms the light while silver reflects it)
Feel free to add your own tips and tricks :)