Model photography setup

[Jon Cole]

I need an indoor photography setup; I have always been intrigued by the PVC pipe frames for the clamp-on lights. Can anyone suggest what works? I have seen the store bought ones, I would rather make my own “studioâ€. What size pipe? Two, or three clamp lights? What type bulbs?

Edited October 14, 2010 by Jon Cole

[Foxer]

I used 1/2" pvc pipe that is at any hardware store. A few T's, elbows and end caps to put it all together. The dimensions really don't matter too much. I sized it to fit a table I had, but It could have been smaller for cars and the lights would have gotten closer.

I did buy some light stands, but I do a lot of tabletop photography. Still, that are pretty simple and work well. The front light is just a clip on desk lamp. You can use any lamp you have around that's convenient.

The bulbs I use are Longstar brand Compact Fluorescent Lamps, 30 watts and day light. Be sure to get "day light" colored bulbs no matter what type you get. These aren't extremely powerful, but they do a good job.

A white sheet draped over it all provides the light tent to diffuse the light. This can be used in layers to adjust the lighting.

Last is a TRIPOD .. this no matter what else you do!

That should give you a good idea for a simple and cheap setup.

And, next time you're passing thru Western Mass you can just stop by and see in person, Jon!

Edited October 15, 2010 by Foxer

[Jon Cole]

Thanks Mike! I'll plan on a 1/2" PVC pipe frame. Maybe I should use the backside of a poster for the backdrop?

[Foxer]

Maybe I should use the backside of a poster for the backdrop?

That should work. I have some colored art paper .. maybe it caller poster paper .. that I use and got at Michale's. I lucked out and came upon a wood frame, what it is exactly I do not know, that I attach the paper to to drape giving a seamless background. Yup, my roll of blue 3m painter's tape works to hold it!

[Jeff Johnston]

Here is what I use Jon. Cardboard box, tissue paper and lights. All said under 20 bucks at Wallyworld, including the lights. About 3 bucks if you already have the lights.

Edited October 16, 2010 by Jeff Johnston

[Gregg]

I would not use the back side of a poster

The poster will show through

The backdrops I use at shows are usually picked up at Office Depot or Staples there by the show.

I like the semi-gloss white ones.

Also get some bounce cards, you can make a bunch of them from foam core, mounted to those small easel stands, or just use paint cans to hold them up.

I have done a few articles on the photo setups I use at shows.

I don't remember off hand which issues they were in.

The PVC works great, that is my simple home stand set up also.

I think Iz did an article on one, and Alex did one on using a simple box.

The key is to use a camera that you can set the F-Stop (aperture), to the highest setting, which with the point and shoots out there now is only F8

Any questions, just ask.

Send sample pics along the way too.

[Jeff Johnston]

I bought a Fuji with a manual F-stop, andF8 is as far as I can go... I was somewhat disappointed but could not justify the $$ for an SLR to take pics of models

I ended up backing up, and setting the digital zoom and also actually zooming in a little. This seems to work for me, though I wish I could set the F stop higher to get perfect clarity front to back.

I still have my Vivitar SLR that I bought in the 80s. Not sure why I still have it though LOL.