This forum seems to have some very creative people on it. I don't just mean in the actual images area either!

What I was wondering is, has anyone come up with some alternative lighting ideas?

I am thinking of setting up some lighting in my basement but being unemployed I can't afford expensive studio/professional lighting. I was thinking of a few alternatives. One is to get a standard clip light similar to what painters use. It is a light on a clip that has a small metal dish around the light for a reflector. I would add a dimmer switch for different lighting levels. Casting that into an old umbrella that I will re-cover with a white material.

One or two of these setups would work I think. I can use large painters canvas and different colored sheets for back drops as well as painting on sheets for a more textured look.

What do you think about this setup or that there is anything I can add to these basics that would improve my "Lighting On A Budget" studio?

Thanks in advance.

Magick Michael
aka zhounder

Do you shoot digital or film? The painter's lights work great for B&W. Color balance is problematic with film, especially with a dimmer, but should be automatically compensated with digital. They are hot, so be careful. I've done the covered umbrella thing, and it works great.

I still use a simple set up along the lines of what you are thinking about frequently even though I have both Tungsten track lighting and four good flash heads available. But there are pros and cons to this you should be aware of.

If you plan on working in color you are going to have to get some blue bulbs (from a photo equipment supplier) or you will not get a decent color balance. If you are going to doing B&W then it doesn't really matter. These bulbs are not cheap, and their effective life span for color work is relatively short. I would suggest you try 250 watt and 500 watt bulbs.

These also get very hot! Subsequently, the fixture needs to be rated to handle this power. Otherwise you run the chance of a variety electical hazard problems. Using a rheostat (dimmer switch) will help with control intensity, but again it has to be rated to handle the power of high wattage bulbs. I never bothered with one for non-tungsten hot lights because you can control intensity simply by moving the light a little farther away.

The variety of materials you can use for backdrops is basically up to your imagination. Good sources for things like old drapes and curtains are places like Rescue Mission and Salvation Army stores.

Sounds like you should have some fun. Just make sure you get stuff that will not cause saftey problems and go for it...

The standard high-pressure 300 to 500 watt work lights are very inexpensive $ 16 to $ 49 at Lowes etc. The color value is between incandesent and sunlight. They are physically hot but come with tripods. Painters work lights the clip on type are $ 8. If you look around flea markets you may find folding tripods with a top that takes the place of the clip. You might find the old spun aluminum reflectors that are 12" to 14" dia. They can be fitted to a new base and 300 w bulbs. I have considered standing fluoresent fixtures on a base for general lighting. They have a color temperature similar to sunlight, maybe more blue that can be either filtered or PS'ed. Misha comments on dimmer use which will move color temperature toward red. Since lumens varies with the square distance it is easier to use distance. Another place to look for lighting would be old theater lighting. Both floods and spots are already fitted for gel filters. They are heavy but can be reclaimed and refitted for 110v standard bulbs. For bases you can fill plastic milk jugs with concrete and stick a piece of conduit that lights can be clamped on. If they are 6' high you can use standard clamps for making setups. Happy hunting at the hardware! Bill

I use these work lights for table top sometimes. Here's a picture of such a set up:

http://cg-area.de/lightset/aufbau.jpg

And here some examples of my first attempts:

http://cg-area.de/lightset/lights.htm

I'm not sure if these lamps gives enough light for portraits or shots of larger subjects.

However, take the advice of Alpha very serious.

Besides of electrically problems these lamps are getting very hot
and there is a high risk to burn down the house if you don't act very carefully.
Never let them switched on if you're not around and also make sure that there is a
fire extinguisher nearby, as you shouldn't extinguish electrically equipment with water.

cheers
Thomas

Thank you all for the advice! Alpha, I had never thought of the wattage and safty issues. This is great input. I knew y'all would be able to point me in the right direction... Thanks again! Magick Michael aka zhounder

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