How to Build a Light Tent

A photographic light tent is a must for anyone wanting close-up images of products in a controlled situation. Ideal for photographing jewlery, taking still-life shots and giving your listing on eBay that professional look, a light tent can be built by anyone in about an hour or less.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Box
• Box knife
• Tape (masking or shipping)
• White paper or white fabric
• Poster board in desired background color
• Lights, clamping type work best for a table

1. 

   Assemble the box. An empty, never-used box is preferred. The image shows a large box, but any size may be used, based on the size of what you will be photographing.

2. 

   Cut off the top of the box.

3. 

   Take the box knife and cut out the centers of all of the sides, leaving about two inches at the edges as shown. (This looks trickier than it is.)

4. 

   Cover all the openings except one with the white paper or cloth.

5. Insert the poster board so it curves toward the rear. This will help eliminate any sharp edges in photographs.

6. 

   Place the lights on either side of the box and one above. Experiment with the lighting. Some people use only one or two lights.

7. Start shooting!

Tips & Warnings

• Use 5100K or daylight lights for best results.
• Hook all the lights into a power strip for easy on/off control.
• Using a tripod will allow for longer shutter speeds at higher f-stops, thus improving depth of field.
• Don't use halogen lights. The color is harder to balance.