DIY lighting stage for photo and painting setups

Here is a simple way to put up a very flexible portable stage you can use with inexpensive clamp lights.
Ordinary PVC plumbing pipe, shower rings, clothes pins, rubber crutch tips, clamp lights and white Foam Core are the basic components of this setup.   The only tools needed are a hacksaw and a miter box (optional).

I have opted out of using PVC cement as I can easily disassemble it for storage... You can however glue some of the sub-sections permanently that will store flat along with the background boards of Foam Core.
Foam Core is available in craft stores in  medium gray and black as well  so you can quickly set up the sides and back for different backgrounds.  Various colored papers in rolls or sheets can add to the mix.  By rigging up simple colored filters using colored CD cases or clear cases with stage gels set over homemade stage lights you have a variety of effects at your command.  Add an inexpensive white translucent shower curtain cut to fit the sides, top and front and you have a very practical light box for photographing small items with soft, even light.

Simple clothes-pin and shower curtain ring makes a quick release for the backgrounds.

This simple set up is inexpensive and quick to assemble - use your creative juices to add to the mix..
See you in the next blog. GL

Homemade Slide Scanner That Works

Here is a very simple digital slide scanner that you can put together in a few hours that will get those old slides onto your PC or Mac... more than adequate for the web or use as reference to paint from.  While not truly a scanner technically, it digitizes the slide with one click of your camera.  You must have macro capability on your camera and experiment a little with the settings to maximize the output. Everything used was stuff from the shop or junk box..the key component was the plastic parts tray drawer from one of these multiple tray cabinets that has the magic dimensions just right for the slide and diffuser.  

Click pictures to enlarge

 

Add some rubber feet to the base.

 

Cut the hood slightly oversize to make it easier to lift. Use tape for the hinge and your imagination for some adaptation to suit your personal camera and taste.. any available light source is usable as you can balance later in Photoshop if needed.. experiment... !

 

This is the original pencil brain storm think-through.