I started photography about 6 years ago. I was doing a 365 day project in flickr when I saw all the great strobist shots people were taking. I wanted to give it a try but I only had one sb-24 speedlight (it’s a 1988 flash) and no light modifiers whatsoever so I needed to DIY my own lights.
I remember the first DIY project that I made, it was a 1 foot x 1 foot softbox made out of illustration board and tracing paper. After that I used a silver umbrella and a white shower curtain to create my own studio look and after that was history in the making.
So here are my 8 reasons why you’d wanna do a DIY project
1. When you have more time than money… it’s cheap
You get to save a lot of money by doing your own DIYs, sometimes even more than 80% of the cost by buying branded stuff and still get the same result
I made a triflector using an old music stand and it only cost me $29.
2. The comfort of your own home, You get to stay in your Jammies
Let’s face it, the world is getting more dangerous by the moment, and security is tight when shooting outdoors so rather than scouting a place where you can shoot why don’t you make your own backdrop inside your home or studio.
I used Galvanized iron steel for a background in my studio
3. Not in the US? Not all lighting gear is available overseas
Some things are not available in local stores that you see in the web, if you order it internationally you pay 2x the price of the product plus paying extra for tax so its easier to just DIY your own.
A Diy honeycomb snoot and ringflash using illustration boards.
4. Some lighting equipment and modifiers can’t be bought of the market
If you need something specific that manufactures haven’t made yet – There are some lighting products that you just have to DIY because it’s not really available anywhere else.
Using flourescent tubes to create your own lighting modifier.
5. Bringing creativity and inspiration back
From time to time I get bored of doing the same stuff over and over again. I get my creativity and inspiration back when I create my own equipment. For me photography is more interesting when I do creative stuff like this.
2nd hand wood to create backdrops for food photography
6. Weekend project (+ kids)
It’s a great weekend project to make something out of scratch and also quite fun to do. You can also do it with family and friends and have a great bonding time. and Trust me! It feels good to finish a project and use it.
The very first DIY studio I made, out of a white shower curtain and a normal umbrella taped to a tripod.
7. Got some items thrown around? Use them to create amazing shots
It feels good to use normal items and get amazing shots out of it, like using an illustration board or granite tile.
I used one piece of illustration board and one light to shoot this
A normal piece of granite tile to create some outstanding shots
8. Get Featured in DIYP / shameless plug ;)
Last but the least is if you DIY something and you think it is worthy to share around the world, just message us and get a chance to be featured in an international website.
You’ve been doing DIY this whole time even if you did not realize it :) from creating backdrops through making props to a base for your subjects, so why stop now? DIYing is a very fun and interesting thing to do! Share with us!
For me, it’s also about the fun and satisfaction of creating your own gear – ie, the journey is as much fun (or in some cases, more fun) than the destination! ;-)
Agree! :) cheers
I especially like #4. Great article as always. Love your insights.
thanks for the comment :)
Hi Mr. Gerlock. I’m from the Philippines, too. As for me, I DIY because the nearest camera gear shop is 4 hours away. hoho. But being penniless and the lack of selection forces me to push my resources and be creative.
salamat :) attend ka workshop ko sometime. :)
This is the part where I’ll repeat mentioning my being penniless and 4 hours away (from Metro Manila, at least). Hehe. But I’m planning to attend a workshop soon and I’m considering yours because I’d like to see your DIY hacks. Baka next year pag nakaipon na ako. :)
Interesting article !! By the way, a nice touch would be to mention the cost of the tools, that’s something to consider.
Greetings from Chile, here it is difficult to get good modifiers, but mostly expensive u.u
Even for those of us who have the resources (being an american), DIY is great because you learn more than you would just buying the expensive gear. And on occasion, I find myself in your part of the world (Western Visayas of the Philippines) working with a private school. They always want me to teach them photography. So knowing how to diy a few things helps me teach others to be resourceful