UK - Cheap table top studio at Maplins

[iwatkins]

Hi All,

Just spotted this in the latest Maplin's promotional flyer. It isn't that big but might be of use to someone and may be worth having one anyway for £15:

Portable Soft Lighting Studio

http://www.maplin.co.uk/media/largeimages/38260i0.jpg (http://www.maplin.co.uk/products/module.asp?CartID=040524232703138&moduleno=38260&P roducts=1)

Cheers

Ian

[robertwgross]

At least it looks professional.

I needed to shoot some macro shots on objects about one inch across. I simply covered a table with a piece of black velvet material, then built a four-sided box with white foamcore pieces. The objects were placed in the center, and a couple of flash units were poised over the top.

I think I will try the same thing, but with some kind of white velvet material instead.

---Bob Gross---

[sGu]

looks very interesting, if it has a decent size, i'll pick one up 2moro, will pop into maplin 2moro to check it out, thanks for mentioning it, Ian.

[aam1234]

Looks nice. Is Maplin a reputable seller, as i might order one.

Thanks for the info

[iwatkins]

Bob
Yes, I tend to do the same thing, i.e. grab what I have lying about to make a soft box around the subject. Works fine for me in most cases.

I was interested in this as it looked a bit professional (as apposed to my hash ups :)) and is also portable, looks like the whole thing zips up. That migth be useful for people doing macro work at a client location rather than in their shed. ;)

aam1234
I've never had any problems with them.

sGu
If you do get one, let us know if it is actually any good. Bit difficult to tell from the pictures.

Cheers

Ian

[aam1234]

I'll wait for sGu's opinion

[roppelt]

I have one of theses it works very well and I an quite pleased with it :D

[sGu]

just went out and bought it, 14.99.

it's very compact, thin and light, 40x40x40cm in size, screen length: 39x79cm, with straps at the bottom where u can attach tripod or monopod to it; it also comes with 2 different colour screens, blue and grey.

The only thing is its size, i find it hard to fit in any of my carry bags, of course u can carry it on the side.

Overall, it's a definitely not a bad purchase, especially if u r a ebay seller, it's perfect for production shots.

Have fun with it if u decide to buy it.

[iwatkins]

sGu,

Thanks for that. I'll take a look at one when I'm in town on Friday. :)

Cheers

Ian

[sGu]

Hope u'll enjoy it :)

I've got a question regarding the lighting for such table studio. what's the most common way to set up lights? and how many? i'm new to studio shots, and i'd appreciate any tips n help.

[aam1234]

What do you mean by "especially if u r a ebay seller".

BTW, is Maplin a reputable vendor.

Thanks

[sGu]

What do you mean by "especially if u r a ebay seller".


well, i don't think i made it quite clear there. wat i'm trying to say is the studio is perfect for small production shots, ie hangbags, toys, electronic devices, used items. Usually the ones u'll see floating abt on ebay. As a seller myself, i find it perfect to produce photos to enhance my sales.