DIYPhotography.net

One of my favorite home studio instruments is the light box. I like it for several reasons. First, I like it for the light quality that it produces. It produces light that is soft and even very much like a light tent. Only instead of lighting it from the outside, you push light from the inside.

The "walls" of the light box reflect the light source, and making it bigger, however the light quality is a bit harsher than the light tent, especially if you are using a semi reflective material such as foamboard. Light boxes are also commonly used with worklights, which are a personal fav of mine due to their low cost. Click to continue ›

One of the comments I got when I started the Studio @ Home series was about flooring. I mean not *all* of our pictures are seamless white. Some pictures are taken with the floor and background as part of the picture.

We covered spaces and backgrounds quite a bit but never gave enough attention to that thing under our feet called floor. Here is a neat little way to create instant flooring that looks like hardwood floor, checkers, or almost any other cool pattern.

Most hardware stores in the US hold something called Vinyl Flooring Sheets. Donno how to describe those other that rollable floor.

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As part of the ongoing Studio @ Home series, I asked DIYP readers, what is your favorite photographic light. 

By that question I meant what is the light source you love most when you are taking pictures. Strobists you can cheer, but it was a close match. Again, thanks for all who voted and commented, it helps us learn about the trends, and makes a great community feeling.

Results and some thought after the jump.

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On the last installment of S@H lighting we covered the usage of LEDs as a light source. While LEDs give you great control over your light, there was something missing. Power. The next step up with lighting can be using work-lights.

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After doing nothing but moving pausing for a short while to let everyone suck in the goods on Studio @ Home, we're going to continue to explore lighting options. We already discussed LED lights, and we'll be exploring worklights, strobes and big guns next. Till then, I'd love to hear what you use for lighting your pictures. 

If your answer is not on the list, let us know via the comments.

The other thing is that we are going to have a new assignment on S@H. get your cameras ready. And now on with the entrée. 

RSS readers, you may have to click the link to vote and view results. 

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About a week ago, I asked DIYP readers where do they take most of their studio pictures. The matter of setting up a home studio is strongly related to having a place to set the studio at. 

We've all seen how a studio can be set up in under three minutes (ok, timelapse cheating, but still), so it was interesting to learn how DIYP readers coped with this issue. Full results and some thoughts after the jump.

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With the Studio @ Home series going on, I thought that it would be really interesting to share and learn about the "habits" and locations that DIYP readers use as random (or permanent) studio locations. This is the first poll ever on DIYP and I am very exited about it and looking forward to hearing on your photography life.

Some of the setups you have shared on this thread, and more shares are welcomed. However, an image of a setup is not necessary, simply tell us where you improvise your studio. From bedrooms to kitchens, let us know where you shoot. If your place is not on the list, let us by sharing in the comments.

RSS readers, you may have to click the link to vote and view results.

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You know how you never have enough lights to do the shot you want? Today I am going to solve this problem once and for all. I'm going to show you how to get all the light sources in the world for just a few bucks. How? With LEDs.

Lighting with LEDs is a ton of fun. It is also a great way to practice lighting. Why? Because LEDs are cheap. Having a ton of LEDs allows you to position a huge amount of light sources on any miniature detail oriented given setup - Provided that the setup is small enough.

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Studio @ Home First assignment (Backdrops) is over with great success.

We had 36 submissions with great variance of ideas, and some great interpretation of the assignment mission: shoot something that makes you feel good. 

It was fun to watch how submissions added to create a portfolio of unique pictures and setups. It was also fun to see some of the innovation you had with using everyday objects as backdrops, and "achieving more with less" in terms of squeezing every bit of creativity from whatever equipment was around. So thanks for everyone for participating. Read on for the some thoughts and the winner.

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There you have it. You managed to convince your wife/hubby to spare some space under the kitchen table where you can do your photo business without interruption. You have managed to scrounge up some bed sheets for backdrops. What's next? Next is the really big thing that will instantly convert your den to a fine studio after hard labor and learning will give you the ability to take wonderful photographs. Light!

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