Trying to make a diy light tent...

02/20/2005 01:05:00 AM · #5

If you put the light source too close to the diffusion material it's most likely going to show through, regardless of the material used. If you're going to use sheets, TC, I would recommend a bright white with a high thread count and play around with the light-to-sheet distance until you can't see the light source through it. This will probably take a powerful light. Are you using hot lights or strobes?

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

02/20/2005 01:28:48 AM · #6

Originally posted by Olyuzi:

I use old bed white sheets and 2X500W halogen lamps.
Check the results here: shutterstock
The fuits on first and second page, all the connectors, screws, circuits , toys etc.
Load the page by newest.
And please let me know what do you think of the results of using the very same tent, not on the quality of composition etc.
Oh! I made the frame half longer, the light was't enough.
I shot them all with my A70 in manual or AV mode, costum WB

Message edited by author 2005-02-20 01:32:04.

kiwinick

Sony DSLR-A550

02/20/2005 01:30:58 AM · #7

I have a couple of large ,thick, styrofoam boxes which are great for this purpose. they are like large white chilly bins.

Prof_Fate

02/20/2005 01:57:20 AM · #8

Tiberius - not bad, but they all seem a bit overexposed - 1/2 stop maybe. I like bright images, but these are bit bright more me even!

I did some softbox work using white plastic garbage bags as the diffusion material and halogen work lights. worked ok.

02/20/2005 02:02:09 AM · #9

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

Thank you.
Might be my monitor when I do post processing in PS. I'll try your suggestion when I get my camera back from having the CCD changed.
Thanks again!
Anyways they sell and this is most important thing!

TooCool

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

02/20/2005 02:06:26 AM · #10

Originally posted by Olyuzi:

Are you using hot lights or strobes?

I'm also using the 500w halogen shop lights. I have a double headed set mounted on a stand and a seperate loose one with a very short base, but also use standard light bulbs in different fixtures too. Nothing fancy...

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

02/20/2005 02:18:51 AM · #11

Tiberius, the lighting on your shots on Shutterstock appear to me to be a bit too harsh and strong. Though the shadows aren't very pronounced, you can see specular highlights in the close up of the strawberry and butterfly bolt and tea pot. I think the lighting could be a bit more diffused.

Originally posted by Tiberius:

02/20/2005 02:25:38 AM · #12

Yeap. Got what you guys said. I'll pay more attention on next shots.
Thanks a lot!

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

02/20/2005 02:27:26 AM · #13

I have a 500 watt halogen worklight too, but have decided not to use it for a number of different reasons. First and foremost, I think they are very dangerous, especially when used near a diffusing material. These lights are super hot and could easily ignite cloth, or melt plastic. Secondly, I don't really like the quality of the light they give off. Also, I think they are dangerous for your eyes, and if you look at the bulb inadvertently you could possibly damange your eyes. If you're going to use them I would recommend using them in a large space that will not build up heat so fast. Don't keep them on, but get your shot quickly and shut them off as fast as you can.

If you're going to do tabletop still lives, you could also purchase a couple of cheap hot shoe flashes that have that have the Lumiquest diffusing add-ons...there are even a couple add-ons that act like a softbox.

Hope I was of some help and didn't discourage you.
oly

02/20/2005 02:39:28 AM · #14

Originally posted by Olyuzi:

Yeap! I do agree with all of these. I am considering now buying flah slaves (found them here for 10$ each)
Problem is that i don't really know how to use them and hoe i trigger them with my A70. Though for the price I think is worth a try.
And thanks!

Prof_Fate

02/20/2005 02:52:05 AM · #15

Do you have a hot shoe on your camera? you can get a hot show adapter that will via a PC cord trigger a flash, assuming it has a PC connector (most do). OR use a wein peanut or generic = to use any hotshoe type flash as an optical slave. without a hot shoe adapter, you can fire the slaves using the on camera flash and 'peanuts'.

I have 2 flahses, a GN70 and GN90 i got off ebay for $20 each. I have one peanut ($15 locally) and tomorrow will try and get a hot shoe adapter for $15 or so (on ebay with shipping for $13). a 15' PC cord is needed too...set the flashes at 45 degrees left and right and shoot. you will have to do it in manual mode and try a few shots to get the camera set right.

one big advantage of useing flash over hot lights is shutter speed - using hot lights almost forces you to use a tripod due to low shutter speed. flash is FAST(1/500 to 1/30000 sec), so you can handhold if you want.

See me tomorrow night...i'll let you know how it went!