When it comes to diffusion panels, several companies have prefab "blades" intended for holding diffusion materials that fit nicely into grip heads and knuckles, but at nearly $100 a pop, buying several of them may not fit into everyone's budget. Earlier this week, fellow Fstopper Clay Cook put together an awesome post about building your own V-Flats. His post got me thinking about some of my own DIY projects.
As a product photographer, I use diffusion panels almost daily. I prefer the flexibility and control I get from them over softboxes, and they're easy to store or pack flat for taking on location. A friend showed me an easy way of making my own for a fraction of the cost, so I put together this video to show you the process.
Note: In the video I used a portion of Rosco #3008 diffusion material from a roll I had in the studio. This material is also available in pre-cut sheets for a few dollars each if you don't want to pony up for an entire roll.
Great DIY tip video - I'm already heading to Michaels (craft store) to hopefully get the frames :-)
Tony - Extremely useful and cost saving suggestion! Excellent tutorial! Thank you!
Well done. Short, sweet, and to the point. Would love to see a written materials list in the writing for future DIY projects.
I have lights that are used for my blue screen during video production that need diffusion, and you just saved me a bunch of money.
Great video
Really where do you get your conditioner from?
I Like how easy this is. I'm gonna make one this weekend. Thanx
I started my own DIY diffusion panel this week. The frame is out of PVC pipe with a frosted shower curtain.
I just made something similar with PVC and some nylon fabric. It's nice because the PVC can be broken down for travel. One of the panels I made is a huge one for using outside and it would never fit in my car if I couldn't break it down.
That's exactly what I have as well. I have 3 different sizes of the fabric so I can assemble whatever size I need on location with different lengths of PVC... all using the same ells. I also made a portable dressing room using the same concept.
I hadn't thought of a portable dressing room... I'm going to have to try this!
Great article Tony!
Simple and easy to follow , good way to save some $, thanks for sharing !
really great video glad I saw this, I wasn't sure what diffusion material to use thanks..