Creating a Custom Gobo Light Projector for Photography

In the ever-evolving world of photography, lighting can make or break your shots. Recently, I ventured into the realm of portrait photography, particularly focusing on taking photos of my friends who love to LARP and cosplay. Naturally, my latest hyperfixation led me down the rabbit hole of research and new techniques. One fascinating discovery was the gobo projector, a tool that projects intricate patterns and shapes onto various surfaces, adding depth and mood to photographs. However, the high price tag was a deterrent. So, like any true DIY enthusiast, I decided to create my own gobo projector using 3D printing—and I must say, it's one of my proudest projects to date.

### The Inspiration and Initial Research

Gobo projectors are essentially simple devices: a tube with lenses to focus light onto a gobo slide (a template that shapes the light). After realizing that an actual gobo projector would stretch my photography budget beyond its limits—I had already invested most of it in a new camera—I decided to investigate how they are constructed. I found that many DIY gobo designs use photography lenses. Unfortunately, spare zoom lenses were out of the question for my budget.

### Materials and Design

Thankfully, I had other resources at my disposal. A few years ago, I picked up some magnification lenses from a science kit at a yard sale. These lenses, combined with paper towel tubes, provided the foundation for my early experiments. After determining the necessary focal distances, I measured the lenses with calipers and started designing the gobo projector in Fusion 360.

The design included a slot for gobo slides and a magnetically sealed holder for easy swapping of the patterns. For light sources, I opted for two small LED cube lights—one RGB and one white light—and designed a holder to fit these lights snugly at the projector's end.

### Building and Printing

Once the design was complete, it was time for extensive 3D printing using my Monoprice Maker Select Plus. After several iterations and adjustments to ensure everything fit together perfectly, the projector body was ready. The gobo slides were crafted from acetate circles, cut out with adhesive vinyl using my Cricut, and the decals were affixed to the acetate. Remarkably, aside from the LED lights, all the materials were things I already owned, making this project even more satisfying and cost-effective.

### Future Improvements

While the projector works fantastically, there's always room for enhancement. Stronger lights are on my wish list, and fortunately, my design allows for different light mounts. Though I used PLA for the initial build, PETG would be a more durable material, especially since stronger lights generate more heat. Once I upgrade the lights, I'll likely reprint the entire projector in black PETG for improved durability.

### Conclusion

Creating this custom gobo projector not only saved me money but also provided a unique and powerful tool for my photography. The project highlights the power of DIY innovation—transforming everyday materials into functional, specialized equipment. Moreover, it opened up new creative possibilities for my portrait photography sessions, allowing me to control and modify lighting in ways I couldn't before.

So, if you're a photography enthusiast looking to add some flair to your shots without breaking the bank, consider making your own gobo projector. With some basic 3D printing skills, a handful of materials, and a bit of creativity, you too can have a fantastic and functional gobo projector at your disposal.

Remember, the world of photography is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Keep experimenting, keep innovating, and above all, keep capturing the beauty around you.