Portible Photography "studio" needed

[Guest]

As usual I can't remember if I've asked this before but I need some sort of backdrop and lighting that's relatively portable to take pictures of Kelly's pottery for her etsy account. I have some 1/2" foam board w/ a white or black background but I need lighting. Esty recommends natural lighting which isn't really an option. What could I use that would give me good lighting but be cheap and portable? Do I need those umbrella things? What are some tricks? I still need to get something that will shoot better pics than my cell phone too that needs to be cheap.

 

[JPSmit]

https://www.harborfreight.com/portable-halogen-shop-light-66433.html

or, go to the dollar store and buy some battery powered LED lights. They are cheap and bright, and, given the size of Kelly's stuff, is probably all the light you need - and you can move them around.

 

[Bayless]

A pro photographer friend says you get much better results with reflected light. Direct makes for harsher shadows and such. With my skills it don't make much difference though.

 

[GregW]

You could look at used remote flashes. Nikon speedlights come to mind. You'd want one that could trigger off the camera flash.

 

[George_H]

Sounds like you need to make a "softbox". The main thing is that you need to "diffuse" the light.

 

[Guest]

Sounds like you need to make a "softbox". The main thing is that you need to "diffuse" the light.

Yeah, looking at making a tent right now. Folks are using aweful high wattage though, multiple 300-500 watt bulbs which seems to be a lot to me.