Scrim (Page 2): I ask the model to think fuzzy thoughts. If that does not work, I ask them to have a couple shots of Jack. If that fails, I have a couple shots. At that point it starts...

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

jerryc41 wrote:

I'm not particular, so I use a turquoise flannel blanket, a large blue fabric, or a large Hawaiian print fabric.

I ask the model to think fuzzy thoughts. If that does not work, I ask them to have a couple shots of Jack. If that fails, I have a couple shots. At that point it starts to work! Or is it camera shake?

aellman Loc: Boston MA

chasgroh wrote:

...anybody made their own DIY scrim? I'm going to... (show quote)

Some people use thin (cheap) white bed sheets for fill reflectors as well as scrims, as long as there's not enough heat from lights to set it on fire. The professional scrim material used for video and movie production is not expensive and is designed for hot lights, so it tends not to burst into flame; a big advantage. >Alan

kdogg Loc: Gallipolis Ferry WV

Get on Pinterest and search for PVC pipe projects photography

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

aellman wrote:

Some people use thin (cheap) white bed sheets for fill reflectors as well as scrims, as long as there's not enough heat from lights to set it on fire. The professional scrim material used for video and movie production is not expensive and is designed for hot lights, so it tends not to burst into flame; a big advantage. >Alan

...yes. I've build an igloo kind've affair out of PVC and had a friend somehow sew a cut-up sheet set to cover; all held together with velcro. That was for photographing brass band instruments (black hole/nightmare reflection problems) and lit from the outside with a thrown together bunch of common lights. It worked, and the sheet thing was my first thought here...but now, with all the great replies, there are many other options. I want to make this thing to last awhile...

Thanks everybody for the wonderful information!

aellman Loc: Boston MA

chasgroh wrote:

...yes. I've build an igloo kind've affair out of... (show quote)

For other DIY people, the frame can be made out of standard wire coat hangers. Now that's frugal!

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

chasgroh wrote:

...anybody made their own DIY scrim? I'm going to... (show quote)

Made a 4 ft square one years ago. Don't remember what the material was exactly, but got it from a local fabric store. The frame I made from white PVC pipe and 90 degree corners. It could be torn down and set up easily.

hassighedgehog Loc: Corona, CA

Try your local Joanne's fabric store. If the fabric you need is not in stock, they can probably order it.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

hassighedgehog wrote:

Try your local Joanne's fabric store. If the fabric you need is not in stock, they can probably order it.

Great idea. Probably more suitable materials compared to a bed sheet.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

chasgroh wrote:

...anybody made their own DIY scrim? I'm going to... (show quote)

Rosco Soft Frost material in sheets or rolls... several diffusion strengths. Lee Filters in The UK makes similar products.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Rosco_soft_frost/Ntt/Rosco+soft+frost/N/0

http://www.leefilters.com/lighting/diffusion-list.html

(Watch the video on the Lee page)

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Weddingguy wrote:

Made a 4 ft square one years ago. Don't remember what the material was exactly, but got it from a local fabric store. The frame I made from white PVC pipe and 90 degree corners. It could be torn down and set up easily.

Google Dean Collins’ ‘Tinker Tubes’

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

burkphoto wrote:

Google Dean Collins’ ‘Tinker Tubes’

aellman Loc: Boston MA

I never imagined the topic "Scrim" could generate this volume of posts. "Are we done yet?"

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

kdogg wrote:

Get on Pinterest and search for PVC pipe projects photography

While I like pvc in all its forms, I think this project calls for flexible fiber poles like those used in modern tents. They collapse into segments, are easy to transport and will allow the 6'x6' size the OP has mentioned. Of course this still requires someone to do a bit of sewing, though I think there are iron-on possibilities as well.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I have made some projects from PVC pipe. Two big advantages are strength and the ability to design fixtures that can slip together for use and come apart easily for storage and transport (sometimes inside a piece of bigger PVC pipe.

From the original post, I deduce that the original post is for a scrim to be used in a studio, for which I really like the tent skeleton idea. But if it ever to be used outside, it's going to need to be quite a bit heavier and more rigid in order to be usable in even light breezes.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

larryepage wrote:

I have made some projects from PVC pipe. Two big a... (show quote)

I just reviewed the thread. The OP wants a 3x4 panel. Another commentor (Haydon) mentioned a 6x6. The OP actually already has his framing figured out and seems to have the material idea now as well. I agree that for Haydon's outside use more stability is needed. Using PVC and standard PVC fittings should produce a more outdoor stable structure. Using iron-on seam tape and Velcro can eliminate any sewing. And can cost a lot less than the $500+ for the Westcott.