Let There Be LIGHT! (Building a HUGE Overhead Softbox Diffuser)
42,580
Published 2024-04-16
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Today we're building a big overhead softbox! We wanted to improve the main build area lighting in the "studio" (garage) so after doing a bit of research I build a large (a bit less than 4 feet x 6 feet) softbox diffuser complete with smart controls for dimming and a ceiling mount. Building a cheap and big softbox light diffuser for photography and video making was a lot of work, but it was fun and (spoiler) it turned out great!
MATS 🧱
Light Bulbs ($14/4-pack) - geni.us/AwWrKq9
Fixtures ($20/each) - geni.us/Lfh7rgp
Kasa Smart Dimmer Plug ($18) - geni.us/ELcAKBB
Diffusion Fabric ($23) - geni.us/UcIZZQ0
48"x96" Black Foam Core Board ($37/each) - www.artsupplywarehouse.com/departments/foamboard-s…
40"x60" Black Foam Core Board ($20/each) - www.artsupplywarehouse.com/products/foam-board-she…
Wood ($2.64/8ft 1"x3" strip) - www.lowes.com/pd/1-in-x-3-in-x-8-ft-Spruce-Pine-Fi…
Corner Brackets ($12/8-pack) - geni.us/fd99mNp
Piano Hinge ($17/4-pack) - geni.us/7T6Tz7
Hook and Loop Tape ($12/20ft roll) - geni.us/NqS7pzp
Washers ($7/30-pack) - www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-30-Count-3-16-in-x-1-1-4-…
Aluminum Tape ($30/2 rolls) - geni.us/VSrVg
Wood Glue ($7) - geni.us/CsAvo
Welding Blanket ($20) - geni.us/AlhdlZ
Drywall Screws, Lath Screws (already owned)
TOOLS 🧰
Nail Gun (already owned) ($36) - geni.us/eVfPe
Miter Saw (already owned)
Makita 18v Drill + Driver (already owned) - geni.us/wLGLyDq
Hammerhead Oscillating Multi Tool ($26) - geni.us/pC5o
► TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro: We Need More Light
1:03 The Basic Plan - Big Overhead Softbox Lights and Materials
4:23 Smart Dimmer Plug and Light Mount Bar
5:21 Building the Frame
9:23 Finishing the Upper Part of the Frame
12:34 The Foamboard Wrap
15:35 The Aluminum Tape Inside Part and Ceiling Mounts
17:31 Updated Mount for Fixtures, Diffusion Silk Application
19:40 Four Corner Eye Screws, Hanging it from the Ceiling
20:37 Let There Be Light!
Design Inspired by this video
Filmmakers Academy - How To Build A Soft Box: • How To Build A Soft Box
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► Edited by Joe Aguilar - ShaostylePostProductions
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Audio file(s) provided by Epidemic Sound
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All Comments (21)
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Woodworker here; you did a fine job Paul and Joe. Not everything needs to be fine woodworking made of the most expensive exotic woods. For functional projects, there's nothing wrong with using cheaper materials. That said, you guys did a great job. It's sturdy and serves its purpose. Looking for ward to more project videos!
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8:43 "its not going anywhere" All you need for a project to succeed is have someone shake it and state those words. Well done guys!!
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A few tips. A small frame for the silk. Iron the silk. Fix silk to frame with stapler on the topside of the small frame. That way can add hinges that are similar to doorhinges in shape to access the lightbulbs and also be able to remove entire silkframe and clean the cloth.
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This video is very enlightening.
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Paul, as a tech enthusiast and fellow DIY’er I have to say I really appreciate your videos like this. Sometimes it’s just nice to see somebody build something useful that isn’t a PC. Keep up the great work and thanks for all you do!
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17:16 "i got all this foot-age!" Joe is hilarious
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Paul is the light we need in the world.
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Hey Paul, tip from a "semi-pro" having made a pair of canvas tops for my 48 Jeep: When you get to the point where you're going to sew velcro to the diffusion silk, don't use the glue-backed velcro. The glue will get all over the needle and start wrecking stuff - like needles, the silk, and your sanity. For the DIYers out there, you can get a plastic miter box with a hand saw at the big-box stores pretty cheap.
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the garage updates are so much fun! given your position as a content creator, the stuff you tend to add / build overlap pretty well with tech. gives me a lot of good ideas, thanks!
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Bonnie Tyler is a goddess.. I don't care what anyone says. Period.
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17:07 I feel your pain man... Just did this the other day with a board and your reaction brought me riiiight back to that wonderful moment..
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This is a great video. Do-it-yourself wins appeal to more than just PC hobbyists. The professional videography/studio operations/set design of a thoughtful creative team are a+ entertainment.
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I love Paul. He is the Best!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Def not a bot.
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I'd add some mesh at the top opening to keep insects out while still allowing air to circulate so the heat from the bulbs can escape.
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I love the DIY Projects Paul always does on the channel!
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DIY solutions will always be to save money at the cost of time. Which one is more important for you to save on will dictate how you solve your problem. This turned out really good regardless, even with the "cut corners".
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Awesomesauce video Paul and Joe!! I have to say Paul, this idea was so bright! 😊 A great DIY for people on a budget. Caffeinator out.
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A quick safety tip for rigging things overhead - always default to forged eye screws/bolts. The bent eye screws you used can come unbent and then you've got a light box crashing down on your head. Similarly, if you can, I'd swap out the top hooks for forged eye screws and connect to the chain with carabiners at both the top and bottom.
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I'm all about the DIY lighting modification. I think you guys did a great job. But although I don't usually like to be a glad hander I will echo the thing about the nail gun and your fingers. I'm a guitar player so I get uptight about that shit, but overall excellent video! Cheers
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Thanks for making this video. This gave me tons of inspiration to get creative with my lighting setup !! I have needed a lighting overhaul and now I’ve got just the right ideas and info needed to get handy and use what I have and pickup a few things and make something that fits my needs perfect. THANKS PAUL ! ❤🤠
