How to Make a Photography Lightbox

A lightbox diffuses the harsh glare of direct light from bulbs.

Professional photographers use lightboxes to provide indirect light and a uniform background for photos or to highlight a particular object. Lightboxes can be costly, but making your own is easy.

Things You'll Need

• Large cardboard box
• White background paper
• 2-inch white masking tape
• Box cutter
• Ruler
• Pen
• Lights

Instructions

1. Choose a cardboard box that is of an appropriate size for the items you want to photograph. Thicker cardboard will be better than thin to ensure your box is stable.

2. Remove the flaps from the top of the box using a ruler and a box cutter.

3. Cut a window into one side of the box, leaving 2 inches of cardboard on each side as a frame; you can do this by drawing a rectangle 2 inches from each side of the box and removing the center with the box cutter. Repeat for the other three vertical sides of the box so that all four sides are open.

4. Attach a piece of white background paper to the inside of the front edge of the box with masking tape. Bending the paper slightly, tape the other end diagonally to the top edge of the back of the box so that it curves upward and back. Cut off any excess paper.

5. Cut three pieces of paper to cover the windows on the sides and top of the box; attach them with masking tape. Be sure to tape on the outside of the box such that the seams are not visible from the inside.

6. Position lights on the sides or over the top as the box as needed to take photographs. The paper will diffuse the light, providing a soft, even glow.