Using lessons learnt from my first video shoots last year:

1. the sun is REALLY powerful,
2. but very unpredictable,

I set out to build my own personal sun – controllable, consistent, white light – using ordinary household equipment. DIY till I die and all that.

So, using:

1. 2 cardboard boxes (20/-)
2. 15 bulb holders (approx. 150/- each)
3. energy saving bulbs (the 23-watt ‘cool daylight’ types – 450/- each. Ouch.)
4. a roll of aluminium foil (approx. 200/-)
5. lots of cellotape/masking tape

I made these little thingies, and got master electrician Kevin to figure out the wiring at the back, so that the whole unit would only need one power cable.

We ended up with two units, one with 10 bulbs (which I figured I could use as a key light), and a smaller one with 5 bulbs (for air/separation/fill light duties).

I added a sheet of tracing paper over the 10-bulb unit to soften its output, since I intend to stick it in people’s faces.

Even I was surprised by the results. Much brighter than even I’d hoped, with a nice white light that’s very even. And the units don’t get too hot, so you can really move them close to subjects.

If my math is correct, the 10-bulb unit uses about 230 watts, and the 5-bulb unit uses 115 watts – and I figure I’m getting much more light than I’d get from those 20,000/-, 800 watt, hot-as-hell tungsten lights they’re selling in town.

Of course, if you’re into swanky-looking gear which is nice for impressing clients), this ain’t the way to go…