A Photographer's Portable Sun Shade

When shooting outside it is sometimes useful to have a way of blocking harsh sunlight. A portable sun shade can be used by an assistant to cover the person being photographed with a shadow. This allows the photographer greater control. A flash can now be used to re-light the subject in a more flattering manner.

Materials:

25 feet of 3/4" PVC pipe ($25)
7 PVC T connectors
4 small bungee cords (Dollar Store)
3"block of wood.
4'x6' Tarp (Dollar Store)
Nylon cord
Mr. Longarm brush and tool holder ($5 Home Depot)
(2) 3 inch angle brackets
(2) Hose clamps
Bolts & Nuts
Painting/window washing extension pole (8 feet )
Zip Ties
Carabiner Clips (Dollar Store)
PVC adhesive

The video below shows a commercially available Sun-Swatter product in use.

Step 1 Cutting Pipe

All measurement given are approximate. The supporting PVC frame should be just slightly larger than the tarp. Before cutting any PVC, lay out the tarp and check the size.

Cut four 3 foot pieces with a chop saw. A clean 90 degree cut is important. These pieces will make up the 6 foot sides. Cut two 4 foot pieces and dry fit T connectors on each end. Cut two 2 foot pieces and join them with a T connector in the middle and one on each end. It must be the same overall length as the other 4 foot sections, so the ends will have to be trimmed.

Comments

[Weissensteinburg]

Doesn't the blue tarp affect your colors? Seems like it would be an especially big problem when shooting people.

[Divet]

There is not a noticeable color cast from the blue tarp. Any light that does get through is at such a low level that it is overpowered by the off camera flash. Of course white tarps are available.