How to Build Your Own Softbox

Without proper lighting, a photograph can come out not only dim, but dark and unflattering. A camera is only as good as its light, so photographers often bath their subjects in soft, diffuse light using a softbox. Such softboxes are often quite expensive, however, so some amateur photographers are forced to improvise.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cardboard box
• Tin foil
• Tape
• Knife or scissors
• Thin film (garbage bag)

1. Cut a square hole into the bottom of your box, large enough to accommodate a light source.
2. Measure and cut trapezoidal sections of tin foil. The wider end of the trapezoid should be as long as one side of your box, the shorter end should measure as long as one side of the square hole.
3. Attach these sections of tin foil to the inside of your box, forming a four-sided cone.
4. Cover the open end of the box with a thin, transparent film (a garbage bag will work), so as to diffuse the light.
5. Place your light source through the hole in the bottom of the box.
6. Place your subject matter in front of the now diffuse light, and snap your photos.