How to Build a Macro Photography Light Box
Macro photography captures details of small objects like rings, flowers and insects. A light box creates even, diffused light to make your macro photo subject stand out against a seamless background. A macro light box can be made from a simple cardboard box.
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Things You'll Need
- Cardboard box
- Scissors or box cutter
- Tissue paper or tracing paper
- Tape
- Poster board
- Light source (external flash or lamp)
Instructions
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Place the cardboard box on its side, with the open side facing you.
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2
Reinforce the closed end with tape to provide stability.
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3
Using scissors, cut large squares from the top and two sides of the box. Leave enough cardboard at the corners so the box can stand on its own.
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4
Tape pieces of tissue or tracing paper over the holes on the top and sides of the box.
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5
Place a piece of poster board (white is typically used) inside the box, allowing it to curve from the top of the box to the front. This will create your seamless background.
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Place your light source on the outside of the box so it shines through the paper window.
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Experiment with the placement of the light source to get the effect you want.
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Tips & Warnings
For a sturdier macro light box, build your frame with PVC tubing and elbows. Instead of using paper to diffuse the light, tape pieces of an opaque shower curtain to the frame, creating the same setup as the cardboard box.
Always use lighting safely. If your lights run hot, position them far enough away from your box that you don't create a fire hazard--or take frequent breaks so nothing overheats.
