Had a cheap studio strobist idea, is it feasible? Diagram included

Basically, I am on a budget and want to simply modify available light so I can have an outdoor type studio going. Do you see anything that would stop this from working? If the sun is in a mid day (5-6 oclockish) time frame, and the sun is facing us properly, it should go according to plan right? I would also add a weight to the ends of the PVC piping, such as sandbags in case of wind etc.

This is just a huge scrim. It will work fine. a suggestion. For the uprights, get 2 pipes, one that will fit inside the other. drill holes every foot and get rods that will fit in the holes. This way you can use it earlier in the day and not have to wait as long. Just raise the scrim to intercept the sun.

Sure it would work. As long as it was dead calm. You would be surprised how little wind it takes to create a sail. Make sure your weights are enough.

Should work just fine. Be creative with scrims and diffusion panels. Available light is under-used, in my opinion. You can create beautiful images with this setup.

Mark1 wrote in post #6326746
This is just a huge scrim. It will work fine. a suggestion. For the uprights, get 2 pipes, one that will fit inside the other. drill holes every foot and get rods that will fit in the holes. This way you can use it earlier in the day and not have to wait as long. Just raise the scrim to intercept the sun.

That is actually a really great suggestion! Thank you!

Titus213 wrote in post #6326963
Sure it would work. As long as it was dead calm. You would be surprised how little wind it takes to create a sail. Make sure your weights are enough.

Most definitely. I wouldn't want to underestimate the wind, especially with the span of this thing.

TMR Design wrote in post #6327077
Should work just fine. Be creative with scrims and diffusion panels. Available light is under-used, in my opinion. You can create beautiful images with this setup.

Hopefully it works as great as the result seem to show in my mind

You can buy foam-core in 4X8 sheets. It might be worth buying one if you build this. This way you can use the scrim to difuse the light one one side, and a big foam core as a reflector on the other.

Should work fine. Check this out, this is by no means cheap. But you'll get the idea.

http://www.sunbounce-usa.com/sun_scrim.html

what's the common scrim material?

I had always wanted to build one, but get's stuck on the scrim material.

Atomic79 wrote in post #6329620
Should work fine. Check this out, this is by no means cheap. But you'll get the idea.

http://www.sunbounce-usa.com/sun_scrim.html

Wow! That is somewhat what my idea was, however for 10% of that cost, but obviously doesn't swivel lol But will probably raise.

Aaagogo wrote in post #6329844
what's the common scrim material?

I had always wanted to build one, but get's stuck on the scrim material.

I am hoping cotton will work fine, people say it does. I am also researching. If you have any ideas do post them

I'm not sure you're going to end up with even lighting - to evenly blow out a white backdrop I need to use a light source on either side facing the middle... it'd be less pronounced with such a large light source but I think it's still going to be brighter on the side the diffuser's on. A reflector on the other side would go some ways to combating this, I suspect.

Jim G wrote in post #6331628
I'm not sure you're going to end up with even lighting - to evenly blow out a white backdrop I need to use a light source on either side facing the middle... it'd be less pronounced with such a large light source but I think it's still going to be brighter on the side the diffuser's on. A reflector on the other side would go some ways to combating this, I suspect.

That's a really great point I didn't quite think about, I hope the diffusion of a reflector can balance the white backdrop. Or if possible, exposing for the model will naturally blow out the backdrop due to lack of dynamic range. But I've never shot on a white backdrop so you would probably know more indefinitely.

bad karma wrote in post #6331610
I am hoping cotton will work fine, people say it does. I am also researching. If you have any ideas do post them

I have an idea, poly-film! Cheap as can be, amazing at diffusing light.
Check this out for reference:http://www.essenpoly.c​om/greenhousefilm.htm

You should be able to find some at any greenhouse related supply dealer. White would be ideal(not the clear kind). You could use it with spring clamps to hold it in place.

Photoshoppa wrote in post #6334869
I have an idea, poly-film! Cheap as can be, amazing at diffusing light.
Check this out for reference:http://www.essenpoly.c​om/greenhousefilm.htm

You should be able to find some at any greenhouse related supply dealer. White would be ideal(not the clear kind). You could use it with spring clamps to hold it in place.

Great idea! Now to find a green house related supply dealer Haha.

I walked into walmart today and saw $1/yard fabric of 65% polyester/35% cotton blend fabric that looked like it could diffuse just the right amount.

Also, if anyone is looking for a cheap reflector material, ebay emergency blankets

Or a foam core spray painted with silver paint