Home-Made Light Diffuser

Has anyone ever made their own light diffuser? I'm super new to photography techniques and I'm trying to make a diffuser by rigging together some PVC piping and a bedsheet. Has this been done before, and does anyone have any tips as to how or any suggestions for a better home-made diffuser?

The diffusers you describe are actually quite common. They work well. They are inexpensive, and light. Just remember that the effect will vary with the type of light used and the distance of the light to diffusion material. The ones that I have seen have mostly used fluorescent lights behind (4'), in either 1, 2 or 4 bulb sets. Another uses multiple incandescents. Also remember to pay attention to the temperature of your lighting. (kelvin) Bulbs are made that are quite satisfactory for photography.

I found the link to this site in another thread here. This is the site that originaly gave me the idea for making my own panels. http://www.lightingmag​ic.com/ There is a lot of other good information at this site also.

This application sounds like its for indoor use. What about a diffuser for outdoor use? I was thinking of something that would hover over the person you're photographing.

http://www.sportsshoot​er.com …eo/5_min_light/​index.html

Diffuser panels can be used outside as well. . . they just use the sun as the light source. Use it to shade/diffuse, and depending on what your material is, bounce also. Same outside as inside. You have the right idea.