DIY Light Box for a Camera

Light boxes are ideal for photographing small objects like jewelry.

Photographing objects in the studio requires careful control of light, which can be challenging when the object is very small. A way to isolate and light a small object for photography is to use a light box, which allows you to carefully control how much light reaches the object and to diffuse the light for attractive, soft lighting effects.

Things You'll Need

• Medium-sized square cardboard moving box
• Utility knife
• Duct tape
• 3 flour sack towels
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Posterboard
• 3 photo lights

Instructions

1. Close the flaps on one end of the cardboard box and tape it shut with duct tape.

2. Cut out three of the sides of the cardboard box with a utility knife leaving approximately 2 inches of cardboard around the edges.

3. Cut three pieces of flour sack towels with a scissors to the size of the holes in the sides of the box.

4. Cover each of the three holes in the box with the flour sack pieces and tape them in place with duct tape.

5. Measure an interior side of the box with a tape measure and cut two pieces of posterboard to these dimensions.

6. Lay the box on its one side that has not been cut.

7. Place one of the pieces of cut posterboard on the bottom of the box and the other piece against the back of the box.

8. Position three photographic lights so that one shines through each of the three fabric-covered holes. The fabric may be removed for more intense, less diffuse light.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with different backgrounds, lighting angles and diffusion until you find the perfect lighting set up for your photograph.

References

• Digital Photography School: How to Make an Inexpensive Light Tent
• Studio Lighting.net: Homemade Light Box for Product Photography
• Etsy: Forty's Foto Tips, #2: Make a Light Box!
• Brighthub: Learn How to Make a Light Box for Free With This DIY Photography Project
• (Never Home)maker: How to Build a Light Box: Photography