light tent + food what base?

[Fogflip]

in the next few weeks im going to be venturing into doing some food photography. Never using a light tent before what kind of base can i put in it that could easily be replaced or wiped clean. I am worried that if some sauce spills on it or the fact i am going to be taking some pizza photos it will leave stains. Any help is greatly appreciated. thanks

[PlayersZ28]

How large is the base? You could use replacement window plastic from HomeDepot cut to fit. I expect the base will be in the pictures so that will determine what you use unless you then cover the base with something photogenic.

[SuperHuman21]

Plexiglass (frosted, clear, translucent, whatever). Or you can try ordering a glossy white acrylic square for probably like $20. It's very easy to clean, just be careful not to scratch it up as it is very easy to do.

If you have softboxes you can just play around with them without a light tent. If not, you can make your own light tent with fabric while leaving the roof open. I've never shot food but that's my thinking because light tents are limiting in terms of how much you can achieve before you start to alter them. I cut a large hole in mine while I was playing around with it. Looking back, I can't believe how hesitant I was with things, so just wing it man. Just do whatever you want, don't think there are any rules that you have to apply. Whatever works, just works.

[Fogflip]

thanks for the advice going to make my way to home depot this weekend. For now im going to stick with one of the basic light cubes/tents till i get a better grip on things then im sure plenty of holes will be cut lol. thanks

[vchiline]

I would personally not recommend the usage of a light tent unless you want really flat lighting and give that "grocery store flyer look". What makes food truly appealing is the shine/specular highlights, side lighting which skims the food giving it texture and depth, rear lighting giving some transparency and glow to beverages.

Using softboxes is perfect tool to control light alongside some white cards, silver cards, and mirrors.

Here's a good "starting" article about food photography. There are several books out there as well.
http://www.shutterbug.com/features/1204insider/