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06/04/2005 03:49:34 PM · #1 |
I'm currently assembling a homemade light tent (bought 12 pieces of PVC pipe and 8 elbow T joints for very cheap from the local hardware store). I'm going to head down to the fabric store soon and try to get some cheap cloth to drape over the outsides, but there's still one thing I'm not exactly sure about - and that's how to create the seamless white background that work so well in these things.
I imagine that I could just cut out some white paper from a roll I bought yesterday and tape it against the back everytime, but this seems like a pain. I was wondering if there's a better way - such as possibly drilling holes in two pvc pipes and then inserting some kind of roll that I could wrap the paper... roll it out when I need it, and roll it up and store it when I don't. Anybody have a similar setup and would be willing to share their input? Also, any suggestions as to what kind of fabric? I hear that white polyester is the way to go, but I'm not sure - whatever's cheap and works well is fine! I was thinking pillowcase fabric might work well also, but not sure.
edit: I forgot to mention that the main reason I don't just drill something into a PVC pipe is the fact that I don't own a drill.
Message edited by author 2005-06-04 16:18:30.
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06/04/2005 04:24:58 PM · #2 |
Yes, they make white muslin in many widths, especially for Quilting, but its wide enough if youwnat a wide background.. i have a peice that will fit a queen sized bed
If thats too expensive for you, try a white cotton sheet
Originally posted by brianlh:
I'm currently assembling a homemade light tent (bought 12 pieces of PVC pipe and 8 elbow T joints for very cheap from the local hardware store). I'm going to head down to the fabric store soon and try to get some cheap cloth to drape over the outsides, but there's still one thing I'm not exactly sure about - and that's how to create the seamless white background that work so well in these things.
I imagine that I could just cut out some white paper from a roll I bought yesterday and tape it against the back everytime, but this seems like a pain. I was wondering if there's a better way - such as possibly drilling holes in two pvc pipes and then inserting some kind of roll that I could wrap the paper... roll it out when I need it, and roll it up and store it when I don't. Anybody have a similar setup and would be willing to share their input? Also, any suggestions as to what kind of fabric? I hear that white polyester is the way to go, but I'm not sure - whatever's cheap and works well is fine! I was thinking pillowcase fabric might work well also, but not sure.
edit: I forgot to mention that the main reason I don't just drill something into a PVC pipe is the fact that I don't own a drill. |
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06/04/2005 05:40:04 PM · #3 |
| I use a white vinyl blind (the fabric one not the slats) and it works fine. Slightly shiny so it reflects light back and you can wash it if you get some stains on it. It's on a roll and doesnt crease much. I normally roll it out and put my homemade light box on top of it and then flip the blind up so the roll is on the 'roof' of the box. |
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06/04/2005 06:10:07 PM · #4 |
| I use a piece of plastic table cloth that you can buy in endless rolls. I got a white piece. One side is matt and the other is gloss. I've been using it for over a year now & it is great. |
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06/04/2005 06:13:15 PM · #5 |
| Polyester is cheap and easy to keep clean as well as resistant to wrinkles. |
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06/04/2005 06:21:27 PM · #6 |
| I'm always impressed on how creative many of you are, I'm sure it's also a lot of fun to look at something and say "I can make that" ! |
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06/04/2005 06:36:51 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by aKiwi:
I use a piece of plastic table cloth that you can buy in endless rolls. I got a white piece. One side is matt and the other is gloss. I've been using it for over a year now & it is great. |
Thats really a great idea. I built a box and am really trying my best to make it work, I will try that. I used sheets and some kind of cardboard on a roll....does not work too well.
Then the cats think its a play box and tear it down every time....but thats another story. :)
Picture  added.
I really like taking photos outdoors more.
Message edited by author 2005-06-04 18:53:31. |
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06/05/2005 03:36:42 PM · #8 |
Thanks for all the replies! I ended up having a little bit of polyester left over from my purchase at the fabric store, so I tried using that for my seamless background. Unfortunately, it won't fall straight and sometimes produces noticeable wrinkles in the shots if the lens' angle is wide enough to see most of it. I may end up going with something like moodville mentioned, since it will probably provide more of a uniform background.
Now that I have all this stuff set up, I'm drawing a blank on what I should be photographing =-o!
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06/05/2005 04:17:06 PM · #9 |
We use velvet in all shades for all the shots that need a color background and muslin and poster board for the white.
I use clips to attach the material to the top of the box and it always lays straight. My biggest problem has been getting water stains on the velvet when shooting flowers.
Other than flowers, I have shots of bottles, glasses, candles, fruit, ie apples and any other item laying around my house just for practice. Its a good way to understand lighting and play with exposure. My family has come to the conclusion that the dining room table will never be used for eating again.
Message edited by author 2005-06-05 16:17:23. |
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06/05/2005 04:24:30 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by aKiwi:
I use a piece of plastic table cloth that you can buy in endless rolls. I got a white piece. One side is matt and the other is gloss. I've been using it for over a year now & it is great. |
where would you get something like that? |
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06/05/2005 04:56:27 PM · #11 |
| Savage and colorama are two manufacterors who make seamless paper backgrounds in many colours and sizes |
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06/05/2005 05:02:12 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by oOWonderBreadOo:
Originally posted by aKiwi:
I use a piece of plastic table cloth that you can buy in endless rolls. I got a white piece. One side is matt and the other is gloss. I've been using it for over a year now & it is great. |
where would you get something like that? |
any fabric store or craft store that has fabrics sell this
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