Home made gizmo's

[BBoi]

I've noticed that things like reflectors, softboxes, lighting, stands and such are costing an arm and a leg; and I wondered about making my own with such things as tin foil, white bedsheets, tracing paper perhaps.. and the odd 200w bulb, or even a security light... Anyone tried this, any good ? or am I better buying the proper gear ?

On a bit of a budget see, so trying to make it go the distance. If anyones tried this approach, the feedback/advice would be most welcome before I start my mini spend.

Oh, btw, anyone know where I can get a cheep greek style posing podium ?

Thanks.

[Roger-Walker]

I got a pair of mains powered flashes off ebay, and rather than buying some posh new stands (that would have cost me more than the flashes did), I bought a pair of microphone stands, and machined up a 1" long adapter for the tops.
Also the microphone stands have a reasonable weight at the bottom, so stay put, and don't keep falling over when knocked, even with the umbrellas on.

Also bought a cheap shutter release cord, cut the wires and extended them and added a video out lead. Wired them along an old monopod (with a makeshift extension). With a 2" video monitor on the bottom, it gives quite a reasonable aerial view. It's a pain with the SLR (no live preview), but works a dream with a P&S.

Roger.