Low-Rent Portable Lighting

_Rok_ · Apr 17, 2013

In order to keep my night shoot fast, portable, and quiet, I've built some lights that are powered by marine batteries. One battery will drive 5 of these lights all night. I'll have two marine batteries on set & a couple 1/2 sized LED lights that will have their own smaller batteries.

Each light runs me about $41.50, including dimmer and a small volt/amp meter (not pictured). I realize that LEDs have severe limitations when it comes to color reproduction, but as long as I'm paying for everything it's a compromise that I'll have to accept.

NOTE: The barn doors will be tapered, and the spud will be moved to the middle of the unit.
"Unit" meaning cookie sheet.

I'll eventually add some example footage & camera settings to this thread.

Thomas

Lucky Hardwood · Apr 18, 2013

Nice! How about a tutorial with parts list, cost and supplier?

_Rok_ · Apr 18, 2013

It's on the way. I've documented everything, but I won't post a DIY writeup until I've shot scenes in various locations and can provide a full report on the practicality and reliability of the lights. I'm certain the shoots will spur some design changes, as well.

I'll also upload examples that demonstrate the positives and negatives of using LEDs & cookie sheets to light your scenes.

My goal is to achieve practical & affordable night photography for a small fry, like myself.

Thomas

wheatgrinder · Apr 19, 2013

thats the stuff! I know most those parts, except the barn door hinges..

Cracker Funk · Apr 20, 2013

That's F-ing awesome! Thanks for doing this. I'd love to see the plans when you're finished.

IndiePaul · Jun 23, 2013

Rok, can't wait to read an update on how these lights worked out.

Great job. Like others, I would be very keen to see a parts list once your filming is complete.

Low-Rent Portable Lighting

_Rok_

Lucky Hardwood

_Rok_

wheatgrinder

Cracker Funk

IndiePaul