Home-Made Studio Lights

[Alpha]

Okay so here's my idea for home-made studio lights. This is for constant light, not a strobe setup. Given that constant photo lights are just halogen lamps on tripods with umbrellas, I figure why pay $150+ per light when you can rig one up yourself?

Here's the plan.

1 500w Halogen Worklight. $20.00
http://www.absolutehome.com/web/cat...481&srccode=cii_14110944&cpncode=09-9344707-2

1 33" White Impact Umbrella. $10.00
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...&kw=IMU33T&is=REG&Q=&O=productlist&sku=362385

1 Umbrella Bracket. $13.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=SPB&is=REG&Q=&O=productlist&sku=50067

OR

1 Adjustable light stand, with holder and umbrella. $40.00
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7607491687&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT&rd=1

1 500w Halogen Bulb from B&H. $10.00
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...ls&Q=&sku=74687&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

 

[usayit]

I've been using plain jane 12 dollar home depot work lights which are rated at 300W. They work fine with digital (color correction in PS) or B&W negative.

 

[Big Mike]

I've been thinking of trying something with Halogen work lights. Those work lights get very hot, that would be main concern.

 

[Rob]

I gotta agree with Mike - I'd be concerned about a work light burning the umbrella. Don't forget theatre gels btw for colour effects - they can really help out with Halogen. Also, work lights need to be on for 5 or 10 mins before the colour temperature settles.

IMO, don't go for anything florescent as it's tough to adjust the WB.

Rob

 

[Alpha]

I've been thinking of trying something with Halogen work lights. Those work lights get very hot, that would be main concern.

But most of the studio lights I see (non-strobe) are halogen as well. They do, indeed get very hot, but they don't burn or melt umbrellas. Tungsten's just as bad, if not worse.

 

[Big Mike]

All I know is that I have one of those work lights in my garage, and I've used them while painting new houses...and they get extremely hot.

 

[Christie Photo]

All I know is that I have one of those work lights in my garage, and I've used them while painting new houses...and they get extremely hot.

Agreed. Great for painting, not so great for safety or creature comforts.

Pete