Master The Light Webazine

DIY BOOM

The problem with a lot of studio lighting setups is that you really need to use a boom for the top light otherwise you end up with a light stand in front of your lens. Now we don’t all have booms lying around but it’s really easy to make one out of two light stands.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that this is only for use with small light flashes and should never be used with heavier studio lights and although I have used this trick myself on many occasions, by trying this you do so at your own risk and I cannot be held responsibility for any loss, damage or injury that may occur as a result of following these instructions.

What you will need:
1. 2 x Medium weight light stands
2. 5 to 10 Cable ties
3. Gaffer tape
4. Sand bags

Now all you have to do is cable tie the leg from one stand to the upright from the other. Make sure you use a few cable ties and that the stands are solidly joined together.

You need to make sure that the upright stand is weighed down with sand bags or weights and that the cable ties are strong enough and tight enough and if in doubt as to how many to use, err on the side of caution and use more.

It is also a good idea to wrap gaffer tape around the overlapping poles for extra strength.

You can adjust the height by raising the upright stand and you can adjust the angle by adjusting the legs of the stand that is acting as the boom.

So there we go one easy DIY boom.