I bought two clamp on goose-necked LED lights a couple days back.  One for my model stand, and the other for a set of shelves that stand in a dark corner.

They work, but physics proves that what is closer to the light panel is brighter than whatever is farther away. Noticed this when trying to take a good photo of the stand  with an old poster on it.  Camera light sensitivity magnified the contrast from bright spot to dim areas. 

 

So this project is an experiment to see if the light could be filtered to even out/taper the brightness. 

Render from Aspire showing what I cut from 6mm thick 6" x 6" white HDPE.

 

Two slightly different sloped filters. 

I've cut them out and have them on the lights.  My eyes adjust too well to notice the change between filter on/filter off.  I do get a sense than the light cast is more evenly spread down the poster and shelves.  Working on a way to quantify it.  

The HDPE cut easily.  Modelling the filters was fairly quick and easy in Aspire.  

I'll add some photos if I can get a set that show the difference accurately.  I need to study the features on my camera to see if I can shut off or minimize the light sensing on it. 

4D

Definitely an effect, but not enough to be worth it in this version of a filter.  Camera is still a bit too sensitive compared to my eyes but flipping back and forth between photo with the filter and without the filter the top area is dimmer relative to the bottom.  Still a washed out area in the center.  Top image is without the filter.  Bottom image is with the filter on the light. 

I need to find a way to reduce the light hitting the center washed out area.  Rethink the 3D shape of the filter. Start with a thicker piece of HDPE. 

4D

Don't know anything til you try it.  And I've tried a lot ----- most of which I don't talk about.  Lol

10 hours ago, honesttjohn said:

Don't know anything til you try it.

An old adage suggests that it take at least three iterative step to get to a really good solution.  One step down. Learn from it. Perhaps step back and try another idea.  Mechanical shutters to better limit where the diffused light falls maybe?   

4D