[Dave]

After some great advice on how to setup a Photography studio, I was intrigued by the idea of a permanent infinity curve mentioned here :- Help me Design Photo Studio for converting garage

Anyone want to advise best way of creating one ??

[Lone Buggin]

I found this design on another forum. Seems a bit overkill, but I guess that depends on how durable / long-term you would want it to be. I say build a frame, butcher a pair of bike rims, and throw a heavy cloth over it.

[Dave]

I'm more worried how you blend in to floor & wall. I want permanent, as I can always place backgrounds in front of it

[monkeydave]

this is something i am looking into at the moment mate..
as i have turned my garage into a bit of a studio nothing like the size you have but .. as in life i'll make do with what i have.

i will be getting a ream of paper myself 9' x 33' this will give me the infinity curve im after at 35quid a shot i will be taping it down so with it not moving or creasing it should last a while..

hope this helps i could get you a link if wanted..

md

[Dabhand16]

In the studio at work they have a frame that holds three rolls of different colour BG material at about 8 feet from the floor. Just like a roller blind, the material can be unrolled downwards and run along the floor with the curve forming naturally, but a former can also be used. Hardboard and ribs as already suggested, or a large diameter plastic pipe cut to allow a curve to be formed.

No blending issues, choice of colour and not too expensive.

[Les Meehan]

The usual method of building an infinity curve is with a wooden frame and sheets of 1/8 inch ply. The finished structure is usually plastered to give the end result. This can then be painted for a smooth finish.

Takes time but is worth it for model/fashion work (amongst ohter subjects).

Les

[tim0306blue]

Sorry to be ignorant - but can you explain what an infinity curve is used for? I have searched the threads but can't see that this has been explained to the amateurs like me.
Tim.

[Lone Buggin]

As in this example, you can see a horizon line, between the backdrop and the base. An infinity curve would eliminate that, and give the appearance that the subject is almost floating. The same principle applies to portraiture, in that there is no noticeable seam between the backdrop and the floor. Sadly, there are more examples of this used in product photography than in portraiture, but I'm sure you can get the idea.

[Les Meehan]

Infinity curves or more usual name 'fashion coves' are used extensively in fashion and car photography. With cars the cove usually surrounds the area on three sides and floor and ceiling creating the effect of looking into 'infinity' since you have nothing to relate to but blank space. The effect is quite disturbing the first time you experience it but studio photographers soon get used to them.

The reason for the infinity cove in car photography is that lighting a car involves NOT lighting the car but lighting the environment (the cove) which is reflected in the bodywork of the car. Check out a studion car shot and look at those wonderfully smooth tones on the surface of the bodywork, that's the reflection of the light hitting the white surface of the cove. Any dark areas are usually areas of the cove that have been covered with black fabris such as velvet to create interesting contrast on the car bodywork.

This approach is the usual method of lighting shiny objects, usually metal or glass. A cove is really a huge light tent for big objects such as cars. The method is actually very easy once you know how.

Fashion coves are usually just a smooth curved surface from floor to ceiling since in fashion the background is often just left plain.

Hope this explains it a little.

Cheers

Les

[stupot]

Hmmm first time i've read this thread and i find it interesting. Being a yacht carpenter we are constantly creating or moulding curves, more often than not out of ply.

The above design is a good starting point , build yourself a L shape stud work frame then construct your plywood platform base and upright backing out of 12mm ply leaving them both short. This space is what your going to build your curve into the shorter you leave them the larger your curve. I would build a series of upright plywood ribs with the profile of the curve you require, 12mm or 15mm ply would work for the ribs, obviously if you opt for 12mm you would need more upright ribs. Then use 4mm short-grain ply (it is very flexible) to build up the curve probably 2 or 3 sheets would be strong enough sandwich these together with a fast bonding PVA glue. The amount of layers really is determined by the thickness of your base and backing ply building the curve up until it is flush with the base and backing board (could even use 2mm aircraft ply if the last layer is to thick). I would then sand, fill and then spray the whole thing for a perfect finish.

I know all that is a bit vague and without diagrams its probably hard to visualise, i guess its quite clear in my head but i dont know how well i've relayed it.

[Lone Buggin]

Thanks Les, you explained it better than I could have.

[Boofers]

stupot,,
you had me on a roll, when you talked 90 degree support, I was off to the races. I need this bad, I have a little still life set-up,,,,,but soon,,,, I will have an infinity curve table,,"merry christmas",,, I might try a thin sheet of plastic first..thanks for sharing

Boofers

[tim0306blue]

Thanks for the info.