Easy Workbench Photo Backdrop

Say you make all kinds of things at your workbench and you have a need for taking high quality photos of everything that you do, well then you're in need of an easy workbench photo backdrop!  This backdrop costs very little money (as photo backdrops go), is industrial strength due to it's heavy duty spring clamps and cast iron pipe hanging rod, and will improve the quality of your photos immensely!  I'm really happy with how it's improved my photos, even though it's only using simple fluorescent lights fixtures as a main light source.

This project, among other things, was inspired by Randofo.

Step 1: Tools and materials

The backdrop is constructed from:

• 60" length of 1/2" iron pipe with threaded ends
• 1/2" flange fittings
• 90 degree 1/2" elbow
• 6" length of 1/2" pipe nipple
• 2 spring clamps
• Savage Seamless Bright White Photo Backdrop

To install it you simply need a drill, screws and some cleaner to wipe the pipe down with.

The lights are technically not part of the backdrop, but they are just simple 4' x 2 bulb fluorescent fixtures.  The bulbs are 32 Watt Cool White (4100K) tubes.  I prefer the 4100k to the 5000k color temperature.  For some reason the 5000k light is very very sterile and bright white.  A little yellow actually softens things just a bit.

Comments

[e-Killer]

I would do the same, thanks for the idea ;)

[Jayefuu]

I still have massive toolshop envy. Your space was amazing.

[christyoates]

Nice job Noah, I have a home-made backdrop setup in my shop. I'd suggest adding some white fabric or plastic (like the cheap kind you get at a party supply store to cover picnic tables) below the lights for a filter. It softens the light and makes sure your images aren't too "hot." I use soft fluorescent bulbs in aluminum can work lights with a clamp so they are easy to reposition and I added plastic shower caps over them for a filter. The fluorescents and aluminum don't get hot enough to melt the plastic.

[noahw]

That's a great idea for diffusers - thanks for the tip!

[TRex]

Nice! If I would have enough space for a workbench, I would totally build this.