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DIY Light Panels

A light panel is often referred to as a scrim in photography and cinema. It is used to light studio scenes and subjects. A light panel moves around to cover direct lighting sources. Covering the lighting source diffuses the light so it doesn't hit the subject straight on. This creates a softer light effect and distributes light more evenly. Light panels are simple to make at home.

Things You'll Need

10-foot, 3/4-inch PVC pipe, 3
Measuring tape
Saw
4 T-connectors
2 straight connectors
2 corner connectors
4 end caps
42-inch white cotton cloth, 2.5 yards
Scissors
1-foot elastic strip
PVC glue
Hole punch

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the PVC pipe in the following way: two 42-inch pieces; four 36-inch pieces; two 6-inch pieces; and four 10-inch pieces. Mark each length with a permanent marker.
- 2
  Cut the PVC pipe on the markings with a saw.
- 3
  Connect two corner connectors to one of the 42-inch PVC pipes. Connect two T-connectors to the other 42-inch PVC pipe. Glue connectors in place with the PVC glue.
- 4
  Attach one straight connector to the 36-inch pipe. Do this for two of the 36-inch pipes.
- 5
  Connect one of the 36-inch pipes with the straight connector to another 36-inch pipe without the connector. You end up with two 72-inch pipes.
- 6
  Connect the two 72-inch pipes to the 42-inch pipe with the corner connectors.
- 7
  Attach the 42-inch pipe with the straight connectors to the bottom. This makes a 42x72-inch rectangle.
- 8
  Attach two 10-inch pipes through the straight-across openings of the T-connector. Attach end caps to the open side of the pipes. Attach a 6-inch pipe into the open end of the T-connector. Repeat once. These pieces are the legs of the frame.
- 9
  Attach one of the legs to each side of the frame. The 6-inch piece of the leg slides into the open straight connector on the bottom of the frame.
- 10
  Cut a 42x72 piece of fabric. Punch a hole in each corner of the fabric. Slip a small piece of elastic onto each corner of the fabric. Tie each elastic piece to one corner of the frame.

Photography