Another DIY light box, with build and test pics

simplephoto: Very nice on the second one there. Its a pity that we can see the threads of the cloth you used though. Did you try overexposing a little bit to try to wash that out?

T0DD wrote in post #2834684
It seems fitting that you'd be the first to attempt the black background, I mean, you are the creator of this thread!

Ok... I need specifics on what type of glass you're using because I'm not getting anywhere near the reflection you're getting... and quite frankly it's starting to p*ss me off !!

I've done several images with a black background. I usually achieve complete black in post.

Here's the shot posted by Pepperoni with the curves adjusted and the shadows darkened with the burn tool:

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I had an idea for the construction of the light box:

I used 5 sections of foam board. I placed the sections together to form a box shape and used a little duct tape on the outside to hold the whole thing together. Fairly standard.

My thought was that if you used self adhesive velcro strips to hold the box together (instead of tape or other), you would get 5 panels that could be broken down into flat sheets for storage and reconfigured.

You could also use different sized panels to create different boxes.

I haven't tried it yet since my box is still taped together, but when it comes time to break it down, I think I'll give it a go. Whatta guys think?

takurpic wrote in post #2859309
I've done several images with a black background. I usually achieve complete black in post.

Here's your shot:

You've done several images with black background?? Your account shows you've posted 2 times... and it looks like the picture you posted is one that "pepperoni" took, unless you both have the exact same car?

I smell conspiracy!

fuzzygraphics wrote in post #2859389
I had an idea for the construction of the light box:

I used 5 sections of foam board. I placed the sections together to form a box shape and used a little duct tape on the outside to hold the whole thing together. Fairly standard.

My thought was that if you used self adhesive velcro strips to hold the box together (instead of tape or other), you would get 5 panels that could be broken down into flat sheets for storage and reconfigured.

You could also use different sized panels to create different boxes.

I haven't tried it yet since my box is still taped together, but when it comes time to break it down, I think I'll give it a go. Whatta guys think?

I just used "hat pins" (the needles with the little balls on the end of them.) It breaks down quickly and goes together quickly too. Velcro is a good idea too. As a quick disclaimer, I got the idea of the hat pins from "Zacker" on this thread. So credit goes to him.

I love this thread loads and loads of information. But out of almost 9000 views - I think we should see more examples!

Even though I have only posted one picture in this thread I have a great excuse I fell off a ladder last week and can't bend over yet. I can't wait till this weekend I should be back in action.

So please post your light box images for those of us who can't shoot due to injury, they will be greatly appreciated

T0DD wrote in post #2859413
You've done several images with black background?? Your account shows you've posted 2 times... and it looks like the picture you posted is one that "pepperoni" took, unless you both have the exact same car?

I smell conspiracy!

Yes, I used pepperoni's shot to demonstrate how it's possible in PP even with the image he provided (not that it's a bad image- it's good!). I assumed this was ok since it said so in his info. That's why I quoted his original post when I posted. I just adjusted the curves on his image and used the burn tool to darken shadows.

Regarding my two posts here- yes I am new to posting on this forum, but I registered back in '05. I've been around on the other forums (FM, Zuga, OSP, PWP) under the same name- takurpic.

PS... that makes 3 posts! Look out, I'm movin' up!

takurpic wrote in post #2859309
I've done several images with a black background. I usually achieve complete black in post.

Here's the shot posted by Pepperoni with the curves adjusted and the shadows darkened with the burn tool:

Cool! I like how that can be done in post, but not at the expense of IQ. Something happened to the IQ in the process. Maybe you just did a really quick edit, but the subject doesn't look very good.

Here's my original followed by your edit.

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This is the coolest thread evar! Off to Harbor Freight to get me some lights.

Thanks for posting.

Is the black BG done with black paper taped into the lightbox? Any adjustment necessary to lighting? Other suggestions appreciated.
Tom

tomd wrote in post #2860225
Is the black BG done with black paper taped into the lightbox? Any adjustment necessary to lighting? Other suggestions appreciated.
Tom

I used a black velvet fabric... but that's just my method.

OMG!!! I just spent the last 3 hrs reading this thread! LOL I know now what I will be doing this weekend, going to Lowes and Michaels ,LOL

I'm glad I found this thread because my garage is FULL of items my wife wants to put on ebay (my mother-in-laws stuff from when she passed away 2 yeas ago... boxes and boxes and boxes of stuff!) and I finally got my 10D last week...

Hmmm... empty garage = home studio.... *grinning ear to ear.. LOL

There is some great information and shots here and thank you Pepperoni for starting this off.... now to plan my purchases...

Dave

OneCall wrote in post #2860713
OMG!!! I just spent the last 3 hrs reading this thread! LOL I know now what I will be doing this weekend, going to Lowes and Michaels ,LOL

I'm glad I found this thread because my garage is FULL of items my wife wants to put on ebay (my mother-in-laws stuff from when she passed away 2 yeas ago... boxes and boxes and boxes of stuff!) and I finally got my 10D last week...

Hmmm... empty garage = home studio.... *grinning ear to ear.. LOL

There is some great information and shots here and thank you Pepperoni for starting this off.... now to plan my purchases...

Dave

Lucky you on the garage/studio and man I wish you lived closer I would love to come over and help you shoot some of your merchandise for ebay. I want to get into product photography. Make sure you post your pictures I know I will be looking for them.

Has anyone tried these techniques using clear acetate. I just checked with Dick Blick and you can get a roll of clear acetate 20" x 12' for under $7. Does it work as well as glass? Any reason not to try it?

I got 20 mil clear acetate, does NOT show of the reflection well