One of the biggest components that contributes to making a film look cinematic isn't just a great camera and lenses -- it's lighting. Many times, however, lighting kits are the pieces of gear that are rented thanks in part to their large, awkward storage requirements, as well as their high price tag. But, having lights available whenever you need them can save money and headaches in the long run, and what better way to stockpile lights than through dirt cheap, DIY builds! Continue on for a handy tutorial on how to build a $30 ring light.
This tutorial comes from Taylord Films. According to the video's description, here's what you'll need to follow along:
- 1 x 20 quart stainless steel mixing bowl
- 2 x 3528 600 LED light strips
- 1 x 1/2"- 1 1/12" bolt
- 1 x 2.1mm x 5.5mm Female DC Power Plug-in Adapter
- 1 x 100-240V To DC 12V 2A Power Supply Converter Adapter
The key item here is definitely the LED light strips. There are many different kinds out there, including ones with different lengths, strengths, and light temperatures. So, be sure to buy the one that will fit with your project. I found a few on Amazon that were around $30, but eBay has several that are half the price (though I wasn't able to find any for as low as $7).
Check out the tutorial below:
Granted, any DIY piece of gear you build may not be "professional-looking" enough for commercial work, but for personal/smaller projects, it might just be the super low-cost lighting solution that you're looking for. In any case, it's cheap enough to just try it out. Buy the tools, put it all together, and see if it works for you!
What do you think of this tutorial? Do you think this DIY trick would do the job on smaller productions, or your personal projects? What are some possible helpful alternatives to this build? Let us know in the comments below.
[via Taylord Films]
