What lighting works best for copy stand reprography and occasional overhead video?
Asked 3/1/2013
2 views
2 answers
0
I’m buying a copy stand to photograph documents, drawings, and handwriting on a desk, and I may also shoot overhead video while my hand is in the frame. I’m considering:
- a copy stand with built-in lights
- a copy stand with separate lights on stands
- placing the setup in a light tent
I’d like soft, even light with minimal shadows, especially for video. What type of lights are best for this kind of copy work? Is a light tent useful here, or would two diffused lights at the sides be better? My lighting budget is about $100.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
1
The integrated lights will be easier, but something similar on stands beside a larger surface would work as well. As for lights, you really don't need anything special. Household incandescents will work just fine (and won't be too hot). You could also use compact fluorescents if they have a high CRI (over 90). Most LEDs that aren't horribly expensive "photo/video" lights have horrible colour, and most LED panels cast a multitude of discrete, overlapping shadows unless you further diffuse them (and suffer the light loss).
You can soften the shadows using some diffusion over the reflectors. For CFLs, you can just use tracing paper (or wax paper). For incandescents, you are going to want to use something designed to take a bit of heat, like Rosco Tough Spun or Tough Frost (and make sure that there's a gap between the diffuser and the reflector for hot air to flow). Don't worry about the expense -- you'd usually only need a single 20" x 24" sheet, and that should be under ten bucks at the right places. (Lee makes similar stuff if Rosco products are harder to get in your area.)
Originally by user2719. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2719
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For copy work, simple continuous lighting is usually enough. A copy stand with integrated lights is convenient, but separate lights on stands give you more flexibility, especially for larger subjects or desk shots.
You don’t need exotic lighting: ordinary continuous lamps can work well. Household incandescent bulbs are usable, and compact fluorescents can also work if they have a high CRI (around 90+). Be cautious with cheap LED panels, since many have poor color quality and can create multiple overlapping shadows unless heavily diffused.
To reduce shadows from your hand while writing, use diffusion. With CFLs, tracing paper or wax paper can work as a diffuser; with hotter incandescent lamps, use heat-safe diffusion material made for lighting.
A light tent is usually less necessary for flat documents on a copy stand. For most reprography, two diffused lights placed symmetrically on either side of the subject is the more practical setup for even illumination and controlled shadows.
So the best choice here is typically a basic copy stand plus two continuous side lights with diffusion, rather than relying on built-in lights or a light tent.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI13y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Can I replace an A3 scanner with a camera setup for budget reprography?
What support should I use to mount a camera directly above a table for filming drawings?
Alternatives to buying a taller light stand for full-length lighting
How should I light watercolor paintings on a copy stand without hotspots?
How do I light 2D artwork in a room with no natural light, and what basic gear do I need?