Nerd warning: technical photographic stuff.
I like to build my own photographic devices, whether it’s homemade lenses or lighting equipment. I recently built a large light diffuser panel based on the old ‘Tinker Tubes’ plans. It’s made out of PVC pipe, and cloth I bought from the fabric store. My first test shows that it works nicely! The diffuser drops the light about 2 stops from ‘hard light’, which is pretty good. My umbrellas have about the same performance. I don’t anticipate taking this to the beach, but it’ll be useful for studio or in-home work.
Oh and it cost me about $40 (as opposed to $300) and about three hours of work.
First the results. My youngest son, who is always up for a quick portrait shoot.
[click "continue reading" below for more…]
The front side of the diffuser:
And the back side:
There is a discussion in the strobist group on flickr about these here (link).
okay – that is very cool AND your son is adorable!!!
I am searching the net for diy light panels to determine which i would like to make…this sample looks great. I have seen other results that didn’t look like what i wanted…nice work.
Thanks! Although ultimately I decided to go with a Calumet 4×7′ frame and diffuser instead, since it’s portable, and the diffuser looks much nicer. But for something that didn’t require portability, such as studio use, the PVC version is a contender. And of course you can make it really big, for cheap.
(another food item donated to FoodShare)
hmm interesting idea .. just like a giant softbox but the result is perfect. your son is cute
thanks for your comment!
This is a great idea. I have been eyeing for that light diffuser but its way to expensive. Thanks for this tip!
Great very nice place it same like a studio, the little boy is so very nice and a handsome. Matt the calumet is just okay no need to increase.
Oh innovative. Nice one. I’m sure some photographers will also copy this idea since it’s cheaper.