ClareWentzel Posted September 21, 2008 Report Posted September 21, 2008 I had always used some sort of temporary background for taking photos of my models etc but was never satisfied with the results so I tried to make a background holder that was easy to use. I wanted to use 32†by 40†matt board as the background because of the different colors available and the strength of the product. To mount the matt board, I used a scrap piece of ½ inch plywood that I had in my basement. The scrap was 30†by 48’’ so I cut it into two 30’ by 21 ¾â€pieces. I used a piece of piano hinge to attach two parts and added braces to prevent them from opening past 90 degrees. I also added some pieces of ¾ inch wide flat molding to the edges opposite the hinge so that the matt board can be snapped into place. The 21 ¾ inch lengths allow the matt board to fit in place with a flat base and back with 4 to 5 inch radius at the base. I added a handle and a clasp so that the photo base can fold up compactly and fit next to a wall. Photo 1 is the base folded. Photo 2 shows the base open. Photo 3 shows the base with a piece of matt board in place ready to put the model for photographing. Note, I would normally have used a 32’ wide piece of plywood for the project but the scrap that I had worked just as well. As far as lighting is concerned, I have a strong light above the table I use plus the flash of the camera tends to soften shadows. If I need really good lighting, I have four clamp on lamps that I can attach to the corners of the base. Here is a model in place.
David M. Knights Posted September 21, 2008 Report Posted September 21, 2008 That is nice Clare. Do you use a light cube or anything to difuse your light? BTW 72nd is indeed gentlemen's scale.
Mike Lindsey Posted September 21, 2008 Report Posted September 21, 2008 Awesome but simple! I'm off to the garage to look for a piece of scrap plywood. This will greatly improve meeting photos. Thanks for sharing. Mike
Keith Pruitt Posted September 21, 2008 Report Posted September 21, 2008 That looks really good...simple AND effective! Great idea, Clare...thanks for sharing!!!
ClareWentzel Posted September 21, 2008 Author Report Posted September 21, 2008 That is nice Clare. Do you use a light cube or anything to difuse your light? BTW 72nd is indeed gentlemen's scale. Thanks for the comments guys. No David, I do not use a light cube. I kind of built this set-up on the cheap. Having said that, the overhead lamp is florescent with a plastic sheet under it that does quite a bit of diffusing. Check the shadows on the last photo. They are soft edged. However, the lamp is reflected on the cowl of this very shiny model. When I get serious about a specific photo, I break out the four clamp on lamps. I use 23W spiral florescent lamps for this usage. If I have too strong a shadow, I will hang a piece of tracing paper over one or the other lamps. Yes, indeed.
JimFox Posted September 25, 2008 Report Posted September 25, 2008 Hey Clare, how about doing a write up for our club website? WINK WINK
dmorrissette Posted September 25, 2008 Report Posted September 25, 2008 Great info- especially for the reviewer corps Dave
ClareWentzel Posted September 25, 2008 Author Report Posted September 25, 2008 Great info- especially for the reviewer corps Dave Actually, your message to the reviewer corps was the impetus that caused me to make the write-up. I wanted some members' comments on the design.
ClareWentzel Posted September 26, 2008 Author Report Posted September 26, 2008 Hey Clare, how about doing a write up for our club website? WINK WINK Done. See IPMS Kalamazoo - articles, how-to. I even gave you more background plus an additional photo of the clamp-on lamps.
JimFox Posted September 26, 2008 Report Posted September 26, 2008 Thanks for putting that up Clare..... Here's the DIRECT LINK to the article
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