Hi Aaron
I've built or helped build a few now. There are a lot of possible designs to choose from. At our local club we have built two designs. One that works well if you are building on your own is the one by Ed Jones. He has two videos that show you how to build it:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YM9YCbeeGjI
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aIuF9bfbiW4
I would also suggest you join the yahoo group - eqplatforms:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/eqplatforms/info
In the files section for the group you'll find a manual by Warren Peters and another by David Shouldice that explain how to build a platform. I find Warren's spreadsheet very helpful even if you are not using his design.
The thing I learnt from building mine is that using a jig to shape the sectors improves the performance significantly.
I have not tried photography but find an equatorial platform invaluable for public demonstrations and high power visual work.
Ive attached a photo of a platform I built with a friend 2 years ago. He made the electronics and I did the wood work.
Hope that helps,
Rod