How to View a Light Box

Light boxes can be a useful piece of photography equipment.

Light boxes are a simple piece of photography equipment but when used correctly, they can be very effective. For example, you can use them to light an object and remove shadows for commercial photography and you can also use them to showcase your own photographs in an exhibition. They are used by many professional photographers. By following a few simple steps, you will soon be adding light boxes to your collection of photography skills and equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Light box
• Power supply
• Object to photograph
• Negatives
• Light bulbs

Instructions

Studio light box

1. Choose your subject. Studio light boxes are mainly used for advertising photography because they remove shadows from the product as it is lit from all sides. The use of light boxes can be seen in commercial photographs for products like perfume and jewelery. Also, according to Food Photography, they are also often used when photographing food. This results in a cleaner, shadow-free photograph which makes the picture easy to edit for commercial photographs.

2. Place your product in the light box. Position it towards the center of the light box as this is the point where most of the light meets. This will reduce shadows to a minimum and will increase the reflection on the object, resulting in the most professional-looking finish. However, as long as the product is in the light box, the majority of shadows will be removed. Don't be afraid to move your product around to suit your final image.

3. Plug the light box into a plug socket and turn it on. Now you should be able to see your product should being lit from all sides. If the light box does not come on, check that it is connected to the socket correctly and that socket is turned on.

4. View your product or take your pictures. Now that the light box is turned on you can view your product clearly. Take this opportunity to adjust the position of your product before taking your pictures. You are now ready to take pictures of your product.

Display light box

1. Get your photos developed into negatives. You can either develop them yourself, in which case you will have to leave the negatives to dry, alternatively if you get your film developed at a shop, then they will usually provide a set of negatives with your prints.

2. Line your negatives up on the light box. Position your sheet of negatives on top of the light box or, if you are using a side view light box, slide them into place on the side. Make sure the sheets are the right way around and are not back to front or upside down.

3. Plug the light box in and turn it on. Connect the light box to a wall socket and make sure the electricity is turned on. Keep the cables out of the way or tape them down so they can't be tripped over or accidentally unplugged. If the light bulbs are weak and not as bright as they should be, check the connection and if you are using a battery operated light box then check the batteries.

4. View your negatives. The light box should let you see your negatives more clearly without having to hold them up to light, this is traditionally used to help photographers decide which ones should be processed but it can be used on its own as part of an exhibition or photography display. This can make your display more interesting and can give viewers an insight into how you achieved your final photographs.

References

• Studio Lighting: Homemade to View a Light Box
• ehow: How to Use a Negative Viewer
• Food Photography: Lessons In Food Photography