How to Make a Photo Light Box

Professional and amateurs photographers use various lighting techniques to enhance the details of objects in a photo. A light box lets you improve highlighting for products and inanimate objects. You can easily make a light box yourself, using recycled materials and household articles. Improve photo quality, using this inexpensive accessory.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Empty beer carton or large cardboard box
• Masking Tape
• Box knife
• White paper towels
• White printer paper
• Reading lamp
• 60-watt light bulb
• Camera

1. Find an empty beer carton or similar-sized shipping carton. You can use a large box like those used for shipping computers and printers.
2. Cut a large square or rectangle out of the top, bottom, two longer side panels and one end panel of the box with a box knife. Leave a 1- to 2-inch frame on each panel. Leave the second end panel intact.
3. Attach white paper towels to the frames on the two side panels and the bottom panel, with one inch masking tape. Leave the frame of the top panel open.
4. Invert the box so that the bottom panel becomes the top of the light box. Tape 2 or more sheets of white printer paper together. Attach them with tape to the end panel that you did not cut.
5. Use enough paper to hide the uncut panel and form a drape that can extend through the length of the light box.
6. Set a reading lamp outside the light box and put the object that you are photographing on the printer paper drape. Adjust the position of the drape and the lamp until you are satisfied with the detail, shadows and highlighting.
7. Check the results of your adjustments in your camera's viewfinder. Take your photo.

Tips & Warnings

• If your box is square, cut out any five of the six sides. Leave one intact.
• Depending on the size of your box, you may need to use poster paper instead of paper towels to get a good fit for the frame.

Who Can Help:

• Find Electrical Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.