(borrowed) softbox lighting kit by Torjim: the portable and lightweight one, for when I need to move around depending on what I’m taking a photo of (my uncle is the real photographer, I’m just a hobbyist).
all my lighting is from Ikea: the backlight is a reading lamp (i think), same with the other two lamps (swivel). I chose them because of the base (tripod, adjustable) and weight.
-my old foam core is from Staples and when JoAnn was closing their stores, I bought more foam core there
umbrella is from goodwill
the white paper from my light box came from Ikea (kids’ drawing paper roll)
translucent plastic sheet, plexiglass from hardware store
all of my equipment is DIY that I learned from school or my uncle.
we also used a lot of clamps, clamp lights and binder clips, foil sheets from craft store (only if it’s on sale) and my uncle cut up a car sunshade once for his soft box
cardboard from grocery store and liquor stores (free)
my uncle has used a combo of white bowls, milk glass, cookie sheets as a reflector piece; my mom’s silicone funnel as a flash diffuser (she’s still mad at him) which is better than paper
if you can get your hands on vellum, they’re quite useful, too
We try to be frugal so we can spend the money on lenses.
All of my props and backdrops came from thrift shops, close-out sales. Most of them are unique and intricate fabrics or bedsheets; the plain white is my go-to for people or objects (it still has the mark from an old hospital that closed down).
I hung a bedsheet over paracord tied to two coat racks. This works very well but the challenge is keeping the sheets wrinkle-free. Enter iron.
folding screen that I got at thrift store was reproduced by a friend using louvered closet doors she purchased at a hardware store.
I also used the biggest 3M reusable wall hook and used a cheap tension rod to hold a bedsheet.
have a look at an Ikea catalog for ideas as well. I purchased their big aluminum (i think) hooks and screwed them on the wall to hang seasonal props and bunting.
EDIT: Craft and Fabric stores are always advertising sales. If you have time, check out their fabric-by-the yard sale or pre-primed canvas.
The canvas can be double purpose: backdrop and create artwork. I have several: propped on an easel, leaning on a wall, etc. It’s lightweight enough to be portable if you don’t frame it. Have fun!
Yes! Absolutely yes to everything you said!
I don’t mean to be nitpicking but he didn’t capitalize the first letter of his name — that just stuck to my head, sorry.
He doesn’t need your name or bank info, either. I did chuckle when I saw the photos, lol.
IIRC, you’ll receive a payment for more than the $600 and then you’ll have to issue a refund. Since everything is done electronically, I think that’s when you get robbed? The link on the bottom is from FTC.
If you have the patience, keep him hanging while you report his phishy scam. That is definitely a child model posing for a photo!
Good luck, my friend. Gonna bookmark this post in case of updates.
Stunning!