Home studio for still life

Mentalblock

Mentalblock

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Neil
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I’m a hobby photographer who’s looking to change tack on his preferred subject matter of landscapes and architecture; basically because my young children don’t let me take the time I’d like to compose or think shots through, or to plan/ research locations. So, I’m thinking of setting up a small studio in the house to photograph still life while the little darlings are in bed and thus not harassing me!

As it will be late in the evening, natural light won’t be available. So I need to learn how to use and play with artificial lighting. Sadly the good wife won’t let me blow our savings on my hobby, so I’ll have to be inventive with creating and controlling light. This is where I’m calling on you good TP people for help!

What can you suggest for light sources, reflective materials or anything else I may need that wont break the bank? What techniques do you suggest I try out?

There has been another post recently, which sadly has some sour tones in it, but it did give a good link (http://www.youtube.com/user/prophotolife - credit to KC Leblanc for this) showing lighting tips, which I have to say probably provides the tips I’m looking for, but I bet there are loads more tips out there.

So any help would be greatly appreciated – Thanks in advance!
 
Talk to flash in the pan who is a member on here & sells softboxes,umbrella,s cheap flashes etc.:):thumbs:
 
Light, Science and Magic - an excellent guide to lighting with an emphasis on still life.
 
jockwav said:
Talk to flash in the pan who is a member on here & sells softboxes,umbrella,s cheap flashes etc.:):thumbs:
Click to expand...

Thanks James. I’ll check out the other tips first before spending on proper equipment, which I’m sure I’ll end up doing once I get more into this new area of photography!

Alastair said:
Light, Science and Magic - an excellent guide to lighting with an emphasis on still life.
Click to expand...

Alastair, thanks for the book ref, I’ll look it up. I can imagine there are many techniques I’ll need to get my head round.

Ed & Spencer,
Thanks for the links. There are loads of top tips in these and hours of internet reading ahead of me! So far I’m really taken with the stick in a concrete base idea. So simple but so affective. I’ve already raided the recycle for small tins and I know I’ve got old paint pots in the shed.
 
Anyone got any tips on back drop material for seamless backdrops.
I'll be doing more table top stuff so the back drop doesn't need to be too big. I wondering if a white cotton sheet is better paper type material

Also, should I get clear perspex and put coloured paper under it as a reflective base, or is coloured perspex better?

And.... Mirrors and foil are obvious reflectors, but is there anything else that works well?
 
Mentalblock said:
Anyone got any tips on back drop material for seamless backdrops.
I'll be doing more table top stuff so the back drop doesn't need to be too big. I wondering if a white cotton sheet is better paper type material

Also, should I get clear perspex and put coloured paper under it as a reflective base, or is coloured perspex better?

And.... Mirrors and foil are obvious reflectors, but is there anything else that works well?
Click to expand...

For the base, coloured perspex is better IMO, but it's expensive and hard to find. I've tried numerous signage shops locally and none of them will sell direct to me.

The backdrop depends on what size of object you're shooting. I have some sheets, some proper backdrops and some rolls of poster paper which I use. All my backdrop stands are home made out of PVC piping and are adjustable and portable.
 
OutLore said:
For the base, coloured perspex is better IMO, but it's expensive and hard to find. I've tried numerous signage shops locally and none of them will sell direct to me.

The backdrop depends on what size of object you're shooting. I have some sheets, some proper backdrops and some rolls of poster paper which I use. All my backdrop stands are home made out of PVC piping and are adjustable and portable.
Click to expand...

Colormat - google it. It's a range of coloured smooth vinyl made by the people who make Colorama paper backgrounds
 
Hi Neil - it's Colormatt from Colorama - this is their website.
 
No problem Pete - it's given me some ideas as well :)
 
Correx works well to bounce light off. You can get it cheap or free from local signmakers. Google 123 diy photography and read the article on White background.
 
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