Shooting stills for product shoots or whatever can be a real pain due to light bouncing off of the item causing hot or bright spots. If the item has a high gloss finish it can drive you nuts due to blown out highlights.

Put the object you are shooting in a tent. It works wonders. No direct light = no hot spots.

The size of the tent you need depends on the size of the objects you will be shooting and how much room you have. The one I built is about 3' X 3'. Bigger than most will need but if you have the room, go for it. If you have a folding table like a card table, make it to fit on it.

You will need:

2. 10' lengths of 1/2 inch plastic pipe (sch 40) is fine
   
   
4. T fittings
   
   
4. 90º elbows
   
   
4. End caps
   
   

Glue (don't bother with the cleaner)

A white sheet or material to cover the frame

Cut 2 pieces 24" (for the legs) and 2 pieces 34 1/2" from each 10' length. You should have a 3" piece left. Cut it in half. What you are looking to end up with is this when you are done. Dry fit it before gluing and work on a flat surface. Here is a close up of one of the corners so you can see how it goes together. Note the one do not glue joint. This will let you pull the legs off so it will store flat.

This shot shows the  white paper background and floor in place. Use one long sheet and let it curve at the bend to give you a seamless look. Don't fold it. Now get your material and make your tent. I ended up a bit short on the sides. You really want it all the way to the bottom, across the top and down the back leaving the front only open. Place your lights to  the side or from the top depending on how you want the shadows to fall. You do NOT want them shining in from the front. Remember.... we don't want direct light on the subject. You don't have to use strobe. Good old Home depot type shop lights will work fine but remember.. not too close. You don't want to burn down the house.

If you saw the violin post I made you saw what can be done in the tent. Here are a few more I took using it. Put a sheet of clear plexi glass in the bottom and play with reflections. Leave the plexi out for a more "normal" look. I ever mention that I like hats?

That should keep you playing and in where it's warm for a while. Feel free to ask questions.