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How to Make a Photography Lightbox

Member
By memgineer
User-Submitted Article
(3 Ratings)
Make a Photography Lightbox
Make a Photography Lightbox
Darrin Rowse

Professional photographers often use light boxes to provide a uniform background for photos or to highlight a particular product. They provide an easy way for a photographer to experiment with light and shadow. Light boxes can be costly to purchase, but are in fact, quite easy to build yourself.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • large cardboard box
  • white background paper
  • 2" white masking tape
  • box cutter
  • ruler
  • pen
  • lights
  • light bulbs
  1. Step 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 for ensuring your box is stable.

  2. Step 2

    Using the box cutter and ruler, remove the flaps from the top of the box.

  3. Step 3
     

    Choose a side of the box, and draw a straight line inset 2" from each edge. Repeat on each of the four sides. Cut the cardboard along the lines, removing the center from each side.

  4. Step 4
     

    Take a piece of the background paper and cut it to the full width to the box. Tape the paper to the bottom front edge and extend it to the back top seam. The paper will curve slightly as it goes upward. Cut the paper at the top and tape it to the edge.

  5. Step 5
     

    Cut three pieces of background paper to insert in the holes of each remaining sides. Tape securely. If you use pen to mark the paper for cutting, be sure to have the marked side facing toward the outside of each side. Also make sure the tape is on the outside of the box, so that no marks show inside.

  6. Step 6
     

    Position your lights and start taking pictures.

Comments  

memgineer said

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on 4/24/2009 Thank you both for the kind comments.

phreed83 said

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on 4/21/2009 GReat idea -- the one I have is too small -- and I need to get one of those clip-on shop lights - as shown in your pics

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on 4/21/2009 Good information about making a light box for taking photos. Thanks.

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