I picked up the 30" HF photo cube the other day and just realized that I also need to pick up a few lights. With my old setup I would use some contractor 500 watt halogen fixtures, but they tended to get very hot and actually discolored the fabric over time. I don't want this happening with my new pop up tent.
So, i need some suggestions as to some table top style lights. I have seen them in kits, but I'm not looking to spend $99 on a kit just to get the lights.
I've had a photo lab/studio in the past, so I have studio lights left over.
However, I'm using the HF cube and a 500 watt light, same as you have.
I think the only thing I'm using that you haven't mentioned is some sort
of boom to allow me to place the light right over the cube. A microphone
stand would work fine .. yard sales, flea markets ..you should be able to
pick one up for $5.
As for heat, do all of your setup before you turn on the light. 500 watts
can burn the material. The light in the photo is used for TV work, but it
is still just a 500 watt light, same as the work lights from Home Depot.
The only difference is that I bought it before I ever saw them at HD and
they were closer to $200 than $30.
You can put the lights to either side, but I think your best lighting will
come from above. Any side lighting should take a supporting role and you'd
want it to be a controllable light source. (Main light from above, fill light
from the side) I've had good luck with just the main light over the cube.
Other photo is something I'm working on..work in progress, but it shows
a photo with a HF cube and a 500 watt light.