How to Make Your Own Photo Lighting Studio Cube

Light cubes are used to photograph small objects such as this tea kettle.

Professional photographers use light cubes when photographing small objects. They put the objects and the camera inside the cube in order to have better control over the lighting. You can buy a collapsible light cube, but it is easier and less expensive to make your own.

Things You'll Need

• Large packing box
• Ruler
• Marker
• Scissors
• White Bristol board
• Glue stick
• White fabric
• Masking tape
• Full spectrum light bulbs
• Desk lamp or clamp-on lamp

Instructions

1. On the front of the box, measure and mark a spot 2 inches from each of the corners. Use a ruler to draw a rectangle, using the marked spots as guides. Cut out the rectangle. Repeat on the back and sides of the box.

2. Cut off the top of the box.

3. On the Bristol board, measure and cut out 16 2-inch strips.

4. Glue the strips to the inside bottom of the box. Doing this creates a reflective surface on the bottom of the box for light to bounce off of when you are photographing small objects.

5. Cut another piece of Bristol board so it is as wide as the box and slightly longer. Put it lengthwise into the box so that it curves slightly and fits snugly against the back of the box. Trim the top of the piece of Bristol board so it fits inside the box.

6. Cut a piece of fabric long enough to cover the sides and back of the box. Tape the fabric in place. Cover the top with a second piece of fabric. Tape this piece as well.

7. Position the desk lamp or clamp-on lamp so that it is directly over the top of the box. When you are ready to shoot, turn the lamp on.

References

• Digital Photography School: How to Make an Inexpensive Light Tent-DIY