Ridiculously Easy Diffused Photography Lamps

So I just took Instructable's Photography Class, and learned a great deal about the essentials of photography. One of the class assignments was to build dimming photography lamps from a plethora of bought materials in order to diffuse the light source. (Diffusing light from photography lamps helps to soften the shadows, and it creates an overall pleasing affect on your in-studio photos.) Well, long story short, I didn't have those materials on hand, and didn't have the money to buy them, so I got creative! This 'ible is the result of that creativity.

It's SUPER easy and cheap (if not free). As a bonus, it reuses/recycles materials, which keeps them out of landfills and helps protect the environment. Win-win. :)

Are you ready? Let's go...

If you'd like to take the free photography class, click here:https://www.instructables.com/class/Photography-Cla...)

Step 1: What You'll Need

Here's what you'll need:

• Lampshade (or multiple if making more than one lamp)
• Aluminum Foil
• Parchment Paper
• A light (use LED lighting for a more "green" impact)
• Pins, tape, or glue (if making permanent lights)
• Scissors (optional)
• Dimmer (optional)

NOTE: Parchment paper doesn't catch fire like wax paper can (that's why you should only use parchment paper in an oven when baking). Therefore, if the light bulb ever gets too hot, it will be safe with the parchment paper. Also, there's no weird tints produced by the parchment paper. In fact, professionals will use parchment paper on their photography lamps, too! :)

Step 2: Wrap It

1. Keeping the most reflective side of the aluminum foil face up, add the foil to the inside of the lampshade (covering it completely).

2. Fold the top of the foil over the lip of the lampshade, making little tears in the foil to help it lie flat along the curve of the brim.

Note: You can add tape to secure the seams if you deem it necessary.

Step 3: Diffuse It

1. Add a sheet of parchment paper over the top of the larger side of the lampshade.

2. Secure with pins, tape, or glue.

3. Trim away the excess of the parchment paper and/or aluminum foil if you want to improve the aesthetic of the finished lamp.

Step 4: Attach to Your Light Source

1. Slide the upside-down lampshade over your light source. Mine fit easily back on to my lamp.

2. Secure the shade to the light source. For the purpose of illustration, I secured mine with blue painter's tape. If you only need a temporary fix, tape or clips will do the job. If you want to make these permanent, use glue or other means of permanent attachment.

NOTE: You can attach these shades on to ANY light source. So if you have a clip light, or a hanging light (etc), feel free to add these to those, too. You can also use a dimmer to have more control over the brightness and strength of the finished affect.

Step 5: Photo Shoot!

You're done!

Use these for all your indoor photo-shooting needs (plus, you can move them in any direction you need them to face). They are extremely versatile and get the job done quite effectively.

Many blessings for your photography journey! :)