Photography Area
Members at Pikes Peak Makerspace (PPM) have built a large but portable table with seamless backdrop and lighting to use for product photography.
By large, we mean the surface is a full 4'x8' sheet of plywood.
It is for all our members to use without any additional required training (Level 1).
Safety First
Members must know the following information:
- In case of emergency, call 911.
- Our physical location is:
- 735 East Pikes Peak Avenue
- Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- use this when ordering pizza or an ambulance
PPM Fire Escape Plan
- Fire Escape Plan maps are posted throughout the Makerspace.
- There are 7 fire extinguishers on the fire escape plan map. Review the PPM Fire Escape Plan for locations.
First Aid
- There is a FIRST AID Supply Cabinet in our Kitchen Area.
- FIRST AID Kits are available in four areas: the Kitchen, Metal Shop, Wood Shop and CNC Room.
Eye Wash Stations
- Emergency Eye & Face Wash Stations are mounted in four areas: the Kitchen, Wood Shop, CNC Room and Vented Room.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Wear protective equipment in all Wood and Metal Shop Areas.
- Wear gloves when using Isopropyl Alcohol and other cleaners.
Hazardous Chemicals
- All hazardous chemicals must be stored in the yellow hazardous chemical storage cabinet located in the Vented Room.
- Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information of unknown products before use.
- SDS information is available via the QR code on the hazardous chemical storage cabinet or this spreadsheet.
- Do not bring dangerous chemicals to the makerspace.
- Spray paint, stains, and other approved items must be stored in the hazardous chemical storage cabinet in the Vented Room.
- Please DO NOT paint indoors.
Impairment
- The use of PPM equipment requires you to be alert, attentive, and focused.
- Do not use any PPM work area, or any PPM tools, if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Classes and Training
New Member Orientation
Area Contact — Volunteers needed
To help out with the Photography Area at PPM, post your ideas and comments on Slack.
Classes
PPM announces its Upcoming events, including classes, on Meetup
Training
Links to external sites:
Tips
- Proper lighting is critical in photography, including product photography.
Equipment Lists
Photography Equipment
Picture | Item | Manufacturer | Model Number |
Studio Flash
POWER PACK |
novatron, now ntronix | 10-240 | |
Studio Flash
FLASH HEAD (2x) |
novatron, now ntronix | 2040-C | |
light source | westcott | ||
light deflector | LimoStudio | ||
box light | LimoStudio | ||
Display Turntable | |||
green screen | |||
tripod | Velbon | S-600 | |
PPM does not have any GoPro or DSLR cameras, gimbals or darkroom facilities.
- Pikes Peak Makerspace is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so we can provide a receipt for any donations you make.
Benefits and Policies
- PPM members enjoy discounts at the following local merchants:
- (bring proof of membership)
Company | Website | Benefit | Directions to |
Woodcraft of Colorado Springs | 10% discount | 4438 Austin Bluffs Parkway | |
CO Lumber Specialties | 10% discount | 3636 Stone Avenue | |
GENERAL AIR | 10% discount | 3031 N Nevada Ave. | |
ACE Hardware Uintah Gardens | 10% discount | 1830 W Uintah Street | |
- Map of stores that provide PPM member discounts
- Map of helpful local resources curated by our makers
- At home LightBurn subscriptions can be purchased at a discounted rate for being a PPM member.
- The discount code is saved as a Pinned Message in our 'laser-cutter' channel in Slack.
Red Tags
- If equipment needs repairs, place a Red Tag on it and report it via the Pikes Peak Makerspace Slack channel #red-tags-issues
- This advises others on the malfunctioning equipment and ensures that actions can be taken to service/repair the equipment.
Scrap and Trash
- Trash day is MONDAY
- Recycling day is MONDAY (96 gallon tote)
- Single Stream Recycling provided by Waste Connections. Paper, cardboard, cans, glass, and one time use plastics.
- Empty recycling and trash into our dumpster at the back (south side) of the building.
- Always leave the space better than you found it.
Related Pages
Links to related PPM Wiki pages:
Curated Links
Links to member-recommended external sites:
- product photography — adobe.com
- Adobe Firefly — A.I. image generation
- A beginner's guide to product photography — canva.com
- Master Smartphone Product Photography — shopify.com
For Additional Help
- Use the PPM Slack channel #general (or #showcase)
- List of all PPM Slack channels
- Note that we have a Slack channel (#job-board) for members to post, discuss, or accept job opportunities either within PPM or from the community.
Search the PPM Wiki — include Content pages as well as Multimedia.
Contact Us if you cannot find your answer here on our Wiki or if you notice any information that is outdated.
Pikes Peak Makerspace (PPM) is dedicated to supporting our maker community in their creative processes by providing shared space, shared tools, materials, software, and a knowledge base to turn their ideas into reality.