Super Easy Macro Lighting Using a Pringles Can
I would imagine that after yesterday's killer tutorial you'd want something simple.
Well, here it is: A super easy macro lighting modifier.
Ok, you got me. It is a Pringles can... Again. This time courtesy of Flickr user Steve Kushnir.
If you are a macro shooter, this will probably solve both your lighting issues and your snack issues with one swish.
But, here is why this is genius: If you've read DIYP for long enough, you know that we fancy big light sources for soft beautiful lighting. How can a Pringles can be a large light source?
Well, big is a relative thing. When you are shooting a human model, the light coming from the on camera flash (even if diffused) is pretty small. both because it is small compared to say a face, but also because it is pretty far off from your model.
The Pringles diffuser, however, is very close to the insect you are shooting. It is also relatively larger than that insect. So no worries about hard light sources.
Lastly when you shoot from that close, the light is actually off axis from your lens, so you get it directional too.
Here are some more sample shots
Get the DIYP greatness via RSS, newsletter and Twitter
Connect with the community: Facebook Page, Discussions
Share Ideas, Setups, Images and Projects on DIYP's Flickr, visit Readers Photos
Comments
And don't forget
Pringles cans are silver on the inside, which will help you get a little more light out of your pringlesnoot
Awesome
That is a great idea will need to try that soon.
Perfect
This is so frickin cool. I'm off to the store to get a can of pringles.
I suddenly feel the urge to
I suddenly feel the urge to eat pringles and shoot macro...lol
Light Works
I like it, I will try it, love innovation without the expense.
Great Idea
That is such a simple, inexpensive and yet great idea! It does not only allow DIYP simple solutions to macro photography. I had to smile when you said solving the my photography issues and snack issues at once.
I guess I am off to the grocery to get some pringles.
Pringle Can Macro Light
What's the secret sauce for the diffuser? The rubber band I get but is the diffuser a handkerchief, Kleenex, or...?
Also, as an elderly noob, it took me a while to figure out that what first looked like two trick wire support brackets were in fact chrome leg bar stools in the background. Very sneaky!
Further developement
For those using shorter focal lengths and shorter distances, the can end should be angled and the top should overshoot the lens a bit.
DIY Macro Light
NOOB Alert! Can anyone tell me what the foil on the can is for?
The foil lining inside the
The foil lining inside the pringles can acts as a vapor barrier, keeping moisture out (and the pringles crisp). You also find it inside some cans of whole-bean coffee, such as those from Trader Joe.
you blew it outta the water
WOW - thank you! you just WIPED THE FLOOR with a $400 flash for...zero dollars~!
Oh my, it is tutorial like these that make diyphotography.net like none other.
Thanks!
Pringles Can
Why use a handkerchief for a diffuser? The white plastic top that comes with the Pringles can is pure white and will work perfectly. It's also useful for getting a perfect white balance.
Thanks
Great and simple idea. Thanks for sharing.
Pringles
Great! Now I'll have 2 cans stacked on each other for my macro photography. A tasty snack too!
pringles can
GENIUS! Luckily...I just emptied a pringles can. Perfect!
still waiting to finish my
still waiting to finish my can
Nyum Nyum!
As my twin toddlers would sy, Nyum-Nyum!
We are haeading away for the night, and I need a snack for the girls for the ar, and there are soildier crabs where we are going....Thanks!:):):)
Never would of thought
Great idea and results!
Very innovative!
great idea
I'll try it myself.
Thanks,
Neat Idea
Very neat idea. Have done similar with a disposable paper coffee cup (Starbucks etc) which works well too and is a bit easier to cut.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steveblackdog/5689222223/
oh my gosh, thank you so
oh my gosh, thank you so much!!!! i just built my own in about 20 minutes and can not believe how well it works. i'm freakin out!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry, but do I have to go
Sorry, but do I have to go out and buy a flash to attach to my camera first, or where does the light sorce come from?
Macro TUbe
WOW, I finally tried this out, didnt have a pringles can but used a larger walnut can, cut a hole in the side for the flash, and a half circle near the end of the lens to help stabilize. I used this on my Lumix GH1 with 50mm 1.4 reversed FD lens. It works AMAZING first shot was best macro I have ever taken! Thanks for the TIP
Here is same more...
I'll also like to use pringles can;)
Here you can see the results
http://www.flickr.com/photos/47342791@N03/
This is BRILLIANT!
This is BRILLIANT! Thanks!
And the Pringles were good too!
Post new comment