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09/01/2004 02:52:48 AM · #1 |
Well, after one challenge down, and two in the voting stages, it's become painfully clear that my *BIGGEST* downfall is proper lighting.
What I'm asking is:
Does anyone have any links to websites that show how to build your own softboxes for cheap, or have any personal instructions on how to do so? Does anyone have any hints and tips on what kinds of lights or lamps I could purchase for cheap that could fill in for professional lighting set-ups? I just spent my entire monthly budget on my new camera, but I *really* need to get some good lighting. 60 watt bulbs just don't do it, do they? Please, please, *Please* help a guy out here.. I'm drowning in inadequate lighting! :)
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09/01/2004 02:54:06 AM · #2 |
Looks like you need to do a forum search...lots in there
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09/01/2004 02:58:21 AM · #3 |
As far as lighting goes, I bought two tripods with flashes which I switched for 500w bulbs.
Both tripods came with umbrella that can be used on both sides either as diffusers by taking off the black cover or "reflectors".
They retailed at around 120-130$CAN.
Don't know if that's what you call cheap but you can look at the results in the pictures section at //www.fetish-school.com
(Note: The latest photoshoots come out better so don't judge the lighting by the earliest photoshoots and yes I know, most of my stuff is kind of overexposed but what can I say? I'm still learning) |
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09/01/2004 03:01:39 AM · #4 |
Be careful if you're going to use continuous lighting, such as hot lights. They can easily cause fires if you're going to use them with flammalble materials, such as bed sheets. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation where you're working.
From what I know, softboxes are to be used with flash or strobes. If you're going to be using continuous lighting then you will want some kind of material that diffuses light.
Also, you have to keep in mind that flash fires at a color temperature similar to daylight, so there won't be any issues with mixed lighting, as you may have using continuous lighting.
Message edited by author 2004-09-01 03:02:59. |
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09/01/2004 03:03:20 AM · #5 |
There was a thread a couple of weeks ago on all types of things that you can make at home to help with lighting and cable releases but I just can't seem to find it at the moment. I'll have a look for you when I get home.
Try some strategically placed car sunshades they work a treat to reflect more light onto your subject.
Hope this helps. |
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09/01/2004 03:03:34 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by _Armadildo_:
As far as lighting goes, I bought two tripods with flashes which I switched for 500w bulbs.
Both tripods came with umbrella that can be used on both sides either as diffusers by taking off the black cover or "reflectors".
They retailed at around 120-130$CAN.
Don't know if that's what you call cheap but you can look at the results in the pictures section at //www.fetish-school.com
(Note: The latest photoshoots come out better so don't judge the lighting by the earliest photoshoots and yes I know, most of my stuff is kind of overexposed but what can I say? I'm still learning) |
We're always learning :) 120-130 will work for me further into the fall, I was thinking more in the $50 range.. something I can use temporarily. Thank you for the input though. I'm still going to continue to hound the college here to start offering photography night courses, but currently they don't, you actually have to take the entire Fine Arts program. (YAH RIGHT). I should probably hit the only photography equipment outlet we have here in town as well.. see what's there.. talk to the guy maybe.
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09/01/2004 06:00:17 AM · #7 |
I made one the other day and posted it at my blog. I only use 100w lights and they're pretty safe. I don't keep them on very long either. If I catch on fire, you guys will be the first to know.
Lynnma, over at //www.dgrin.com made a great light diffuser using Hula-hoops and some cheap fabric at WalMart.
Message edited by author 2004-09-01 06:00:42.
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09/01/2004 07:12:48 AM · #8 |
Try this
I did it but didn't use it. It's easy and fun to make it.
Hope it helps |
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09/01/2004 09:57:24 AM · #9 |
| Read somewhere (don't remember where, it was way back in my film photography days) about making a softbox out of a styrofoam cooler. Gist of it was that you cut a hole in the bottom of the cooler to fit a light, then clip light fabric to front to soften light further. Never tried it, but sure read like it would work. |
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09/01/2004 11:20:24 AM · #10 |
My class at morgueFile this week has step-by-step instructions for making softboxes. I use them all the time and they cost less than about $10 to make. As noted in the lesson, use heat-resistant/fire-resistant fabric and don't leave unattended. :)
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09/01/2004 11:36:08 AM · #11 |
| I'm just starting out too. I recently purchased two strob light/stand/umbrella sets on ebay at a store called the backdrop outlet for $80 ($40 each). Don't know if they have any more but might be worth it to check it out. They aren't fancy lights, you have to move them around to get the right intensity, and play with your camera settings to get the right exposure, but I've gotten some really nice affects with them. |
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