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Looking for some table top lights & a light box/tent

F

fbrdphreak

Lifer
I need some type of platform or tent to place laptops for photographing. A light tent could work, but I think some kind of box would lend itself better to shooting multiple angles and such. I saw one that I liked which sat on a raised, clear platform so shadows are eliminated, but it was $200 for that kit itself, with no lights.

I also need a set of table top lamps that can be used to light these items. I found what seem like a nice set of two lamps with bulbs, but those are $120. I can buy the bulbs from a separate source for a reasonable price, I really just need the lamps themselves. They just need to sit on a table next to the light box/tent.

Anyone have any suggestions? I'm really trying to keep the whole setup under $100, but I'm open to other suggestions.
 
pvc pipe + pipe glue + tissue paper + a sheet (or just some cloth, really) = cheap and decently sturdy

for lighting, articulating desk lamps with daylight type CF has worked for me.

whole setup can be had for $50 or so at your local home depot
 
I guess I should mention my main goal is to reduce editing time. Ideally I'd like the photo to come out as the laptop on a pure white background with no shadows and you can't tell there is really a background to it.

The articulating desk lamp is a good idea, and Home Depot/Lowes is a good idea for that.
 
Get a big cardboard box. Flip it onto its side so the opening is toward you. Cut out the left, right and top of the box to create windows for your box. Tape gift/tissue/copy paper into the window frames. Get a large white sheet of paper and tape it to the back of the box and let it lie loosely (so it curves on the corner) and extend it forward toward the front opening. Get two flashes or two strong work lights from Home Depot and point one on each side of the box.

You can get very cheap flashes that are more than capable of lighting your setup on ebay for under $100/pair. Check out some Sunpak flashes that have manual settings - they go for around $40 each. Trigger these with hotshoe adapter/PC cable. If you look harder, you can get other very good flashes for much less. This requires that you know your way around manual flashes. If you're not familiar with hit, the work lights may be easier.

Here's some product shots I took when I sold off one of my lenses:
Product shots


 
I followed this tutorial to build mine:

http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/light_box_light_tent

Basically you just make a PVC structure, put 3 screws in it, and then hole-punch some flimsy posterboard for the backdrop. It works GREAT and only takes about 20 minutes to make! I just used a handsaw, so it'd probably go a little quicker if you have power tools handy.
 
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