tcthome Loc: NJ

I was going to say get some new looking wood pallets to do it on the cheap. Love it a plan starts to come together. Have fun.

tcthome Loc: NJ

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

Sort of not understanding the need for stain or old look if you are going to cover it with a cloth?
Are you trying to make a product shot enclosure?
So do you have Antique stores nearby? Usually some old stuff finds at them.

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

Here's a photo I did using a crate that is 12 inches by 20 inches and 12 inches deep. You can find one of these at just about any antique store. As you can see in the photo I had some burlap cloth that I used to cover the back of it just to block out any unwanted background between the slats.

Walt

wjones8637 Loc: Burleson, TX

Thank you Linda, these links show something like what I want to accomplish. Yes, I remember Travesty and his crate, I always enjoyed his work.

wjones8637 Loc: Burleson, TX

The goal is an interesting enclosure for the subjects. See Linda's post with links to work by Vickart, Travesty and Whuff. The cloth wouldn't cover the whole enclosure, but would part of the setting.

wjones8637 Loc: Burleson, TX

Thank you Walt, you show the type of image I hope to create and also give me an idea about the size needed.

wjones8637 Loc: Burleson, TX

With seven pallets of shingles in the driveway I hope my wife will let e keep two or three for materials.

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

Ah, thanks for clearing that up.
google antique crates.
https://www.decoratorsbest.com/products/a-street-prints-brown-wood-crates-wallpaper?gclid=Cj0KCQjwspKUBhCvARIsAB2IYutEJ_ZG4Ih2kfrUeFKdPJVHIoM67QVwOk9eOU8b2Z7kzyg4l1LEwSUaAiWiEALw_wcB

wjones8637 Loc: Burleson, TX

Thanks

MJPerini

If you want crates as Props, you choose the size based on what you want to shoot.
24"x36"x18" seems large for Tabletop, but only you know what you need. If you do go with that size, make a second about half size
You will probably have to make them because fruit crates have pretty much been replaced.
You might have come luck with wine crates at a local restaurant or wine shop--some are nice looking.
If you want a Weathered wood, there are products that turn new pine or spruce, gray.

Look up Studio Apple Boxes for the sizes most studios use.
If you are serious about Table Top, you might want to make a table with an 8x10 or 11x14" piece of glass insert into the center of the top. It is used for lighting bottles and glassware from the bottom-- every table top studio has some variation of that.
We always made our tables low to allow easy higher angle or overhead shots.
Pay attention to an easy way to level your table or table top, and mark the center front edge--that lets you just level your camera for a starting point that reduces distortion.
Depending on how much you do, and how professional you want them to look, consider a longish T/S lens-- in table top work it is often better to keep the camera back plumb and use lens fall to secure a higher viewpoint.
Good luck

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

I took my wife to Hobby Lobby today and saw that they have some wooden crates that look old but are new. That might be an option.

delder Loc: Maryland

Use Barn Wood or other salvage wood. Some cities have salvage/recycling stores for re-use of building materials.

Jay Drew Loc: Boise, Id.

I'm not saying no to crates, but I also like light tents. I can usually use 1 light (usually flash, but not always). It creates a beautiful soft luminous effect & nice fill w/o having to use a fill light.

JKaye Loc: Chicago

You might consider a fruit box that you should be able to pick up at a shop that specializes in fruits and vegetables. It is likely to be free. Good luck.