If you are into photography, you know that composition and lighting are the keys to a good photo. Lighting creates shadows and hightlights which make an object become more 3D. Generally speaking, studio lighting has 2 types: continuous (hot) and strobe (flash). To keep the cost as low as possible, I chose to build the continuous softbox lighting.
There were tons of DIY lighting projects on the Internet and I didn’t re-invent the wheel. Basically this project was inspired by Strike Down Photography and combining with others. Do a search on Google and you will be amazed.
Material and Costs
- Fabric from Fabricland (bought when they were on sale 70% off)
- 2 x Dimmer and alumium/duct tape (Home Depot)
- 2 x 500W Worklights (Canadian Tire 50% off)
- Westcott lighting adapter ($17 from Henry’s Photography Show)
- 4 x 23w energy saving bulb (like 100w, Home Depot)
- 2 x Utility Light for spot light + energy saving bulb (Can Tire)
- 20 x foam board (Michaels 50% off)
Total cost was around $170 CAD for this project (3 softboxes + 2 spot lights).
Build in details
It was pretty straight forward, yet, it took me some time in measuring and cutting the foam board that wrapped around the worklight. Then, glued the aluminum foil using white glue to create the interior reflection. By using the black duct tape to reinforce the integrity of the whole structure was very important, I also added a piece of wood at the back for the 2 worklight softboxes to add additional strength. To make sure the light was working, I worked on the dimmer by connecting the wires and plastic tied them on the metal pole.
As for the removable white diffuser, I simply cut out a frame from the form board and wrapped it with the white cloth. Using hot glue to glue everything together firmly. Since I had some rare earth magnets around, so I glued them on the softboxes as you can see in the photos.
As for the big westcott adaptor softbox, it was supposed to either place it on the ground or hang it on the ceiling but I haven’t decided yet. To build everything, including hanging the fabric took almost 2 full days.
Verdict: Still has Room for Improvement
I am always amazed by the photos taken in Hollywood/Victoria Secret models – my original goal for this project was to create the “butterfly lighting” effect, which is way far from being accomplished. Well, I am new to studio lighting, so the placement of the lights were tricky. The other thing is the color temperature, the 500W halogen lamp is having around 3000K which produces a yellowish warm tone. Well, it’s good for Christmas but I am not sure if that’s good to shoot a Victoria Secret model, so the next attempt is to get it to 4000K-5000K.
For the time being, I am satisfied with the result but definitely still have room for improvement. All in-progress projects photos were taken using iPhone, Panasonic GF1 and Canon DSLR. The final “studio shots” were taken using Canon 5D MarkII with 24-70mm f2.8.
Special Thanks to my friend Frank and the baby Brandon for being my model.
hey,
for the color temperature problem, just do a white balance and you will be fine. Or try to fix it in post in photoshop.