My new custom-built studio stand

[Mike Buckley]

Terry asked me to provide a photo of my new stand. I designed it and gave my ideas to a very talented handyman. He took the time to learn everything that was important to me and improved upon the design.

Total cost of materials, labor and delivery (not including the tools placed on the stand): USD $100

The primary motivation to have the stand built is that it is replacing a pair of sawhorses. That pair had no fewer than 8 legs and 8 support pieces that were constantly getting in the way of light stands and the tripod; the stand has only four legs and three support pieces that could get in the way...and they will. Secondarily, it was difficult moving the pair of sawhorses because they had no wheels and because only one sawhorse could be moved at a time even though invariably both sawhorses had to be moved. Last, this stand is 38 inches tall, which is a far better height for working with subjects on the tabletop than when using the sawhorses at only 24 inches tall.

The essentials of the new stand's design:

• The middle area is empty, allowing maximum room and ease of use for placing lighting equipment in that area. As an example, it accommodates my lamp that has 5 compact fluorescent bulbs and an 18" reflector.
• One side panel on the top is omitted, ensuring that the tabletop can be lit from that open side and from underneath with no obstructions (very important when photographing clear glass on a clear glass tabletop).
• One side panel on the bottom is also omitted, ensuring that there is plenty of room for a tripod leg when the camera is close to that side of the tabletop.
• Considering that my typical tabletop is 24 inches square, the perimeter of the top of the stand is 22 inches square. That allows 1 inch of tabletop on all sides for easy lifting (the glass tabletop is heavy) and allowing room for clamps to be easily attached to the tabletop.
• The legs have casters with locking brakes, ensuring mobility or immobility as desired.
• There is a small piece of wood on the inside and bottom of each leg. Those pieces can be used to support a shelf if needed.
• The side panels on the bottom can also support a shelf as needed.
• My clamps and other tools used most often are no longer stored in bags and boxes. Other items, such as my all-important roll of gaffer's tape, are also hanging on the stand, though they're hidden from view in this photo. All that stuff is now easy to quickly locate and just as easy to return to their proper place when done.
• The horizontal piece of wood near the top on the near and far sides of the stand can be used as support for a clamp, such as the super clamp in the photo supporting the flash. (The long flexible piece with a clamp attached to it and stored on the bottom side panel also attaches to that super clamp, as do many other items not yet purchased.)

If anyone is serious enough about the stand to know what the dimensions of each piece are, just ask.

As soon as I post this message, I'll put the first coat of flat black paint on the stand. (I specialize in photographing clear glass, which will reflect anything in the room that isn't black.) If you're wondering why I made the photo before painting the stand, that's because I had absolutely no interest in lighting a black stand with black tools placed on it set up in a room with a black ceiling, floor and walls...not even for you folks!

[Shadowman]

That's starting to get quite elaborate. Nice.

[RichardTaylor]

That looks good. Thanks for showing us.

[deetheturk]

Looks great Mike,thanks for sharing!

David

[rpcrowe]

Really nice set up, Congratulations. I have a hunch that you will especially enjoy working with this unit since it is your design...

BTW Mike, have you thought of using cut resistant gloves when handling your broken glass? These are designed for fish cleaning and when I did a lot of fish cleaning, I used one for my hand that held the fish. Some of the nastiest cuts can happen when handling slimy fish and sharp filet knives.

http://www.amazon.com/Rapala-RAPFIGL.../dp/B009SYTT10

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you, everyone! I look forward to the improved ease that will come with using this stand to make my studio photos.

Richard: Thanks for the tip about the gloves but I've never cut myself while handling the broken glass. Now that I've explained that, I'll probably cut my fingers tomorrow.

The first coat of paint has mostly dried and looks as if a second coat probably won't be needed. I'm beginning to think that I'll only need to touch up a few spots here and there.

[Loose Canon]

Looks like that stand is going to fit right in with how you work in your studio.

The mobility thing is awesome. Unless I am shooting something that needs a big honkin’ area, or a horizonless background I like to use as little surface as possible. You get more control over the light positioning and easier. Much better if your total working area is limited if you need to move it over a bit to accommodate some lighting or something.

Um, where is the big built-in tub to catch the wine splash?

[Mike Buckley]

Unless I am shooting something that needs a big honkin’ area, or a horizonless background I like to use as little surface as possible.

Agreed. In fact, I would say that I prefer to use the least amount of tabletop area that makes it possible to create the image being made. There will be times that I'll wish the stand was smaller, just like there are times I'll wish I had some smaller tabletop materials. However, it doesn't seem worth the expense and storage hassle (especially considering that I'm already severely limited by storage space) to have a glass tabletop in three sizes, a mirror in three sizes, black acrylic in three sizes, etc.

The nice thing about making photos for myself rather than for clients is that I can choose photo concepts that are more conducive rather than less conducive to be made in my makeshift studio. Even with all of its limitations, it's amazing what can be done with seemingly no end of ideas to photograph.

[Loose Canon]

But no cup holder?????

[Mike Buckley]

But no cup holder?????

Thanks to you, I just now ordered this in a black color. Not for cups. For water bottles. I always keep a bottle of water in my makeshift studio. No decent studio, no matter how makeshift, should ever be without one.

[terrib]

Looks like it was very well thought out.

[Mike Buckley]

The stand is painted, the tools are hanging in their duly assigned places, strips of felt have been added to the top surfaces to prevent my various tabletops from being scratched by the wood, and the glass tabletop is in place ready for my next photo. Ironically, my next photo is being made in a completely different area of my home with no need for the stand. Sheesh!

[Loose Canon]

Ironically, my next photo is being made in a completely different area of my home with no need for the stand. Sheesh!

Just as well because that fancy schmancy new stand isn't going to work without that new cup holder installed!