Light box: Inexpensive lamp options

[bmilcs]

Hello! After putting together a super cheap light box, I went out and got a proper cardboard box, a roll of white cotton cloth, a nice posterboard, etc. I plan on doing it right - however, I lack proper lamps to properly light the joint.

Where can I buy desk lamps with wide heads that'll deflect the light into a larger "beam"? I plan on looking for them at a flea market this weekend, but if I fail, where else is good? Walmart? I'm shooting for > $10 each.

Also, I want to get very cheap light bulbs that aren't quite as yellow - tungsten I believe?

 

[grinbergs]

I bought three really cheap spots from IKEA, I think they were about 6-7 dollars each, they have a clip so you could attach them to a tripod or similar. I don't get much coloring from them and the light seems to be quite "white"

 

[bmilcs]

I bought three really cheap spots from IKEA, I think they were about 6-7 dollars each, they have a clip so you could attach them to a tripod or similar. I don't get much coloring from them and the light seems to be quite "white"

Ikea is awesome!! Too bad the closet one is 2 hours away. Good idea tho.

 

[thebikingengineer]

You can always just get regular desk lamps and put tissue paper over them to diffuse the light.

 

[bmilcs]

You can always just get regular desk lamps and put tissue paper over them to diffuse the light.

But if the head is really small like the size of a light bulb, wouldn't that restrict it?

 

[JSB33]

I went the low tech (and low cost) route.
Cheap shop lights from Walmart. The bulbs are "Daylight" mini florescent.

 

[bmilcs]

That's awesome. Those lights seem perfect! Also I like how you covered the open window with a good amount of paper to keep the light in mote

 

[fast14riot]

Yeah, hit home depot or something and get spring clamp work lights. Spend money on bulbs. If using flouresent bulbs allow them to run at least 30 minutes before shooting, their color changes as they warm up. You might have a better chance at finding suitable used lamps at Goodwill or other thrift stores, than the flea market.


-Xander

 

[bmilcs]

I went the low tech (and low cost) route.
Cheap shop lights from Walmart. The bulbs are "Daylight" mini florescent.
View attachment 373658
View attachment 373659

I picked up a 3pack of 100w daylight bulbs and one of those clamp-on lights because they only had 1 left.

Construction may start tonight if not tomorrow.