How to Make a Fluorescent Soft Box
A soft box is a photographic device that creates diffused light by channeling light through a diffusing material. It is made up of one or more bulbs enclosed on all sides except the front by reflective materials that direct light to the front and through a diffusing material such as fabric. Soft boxes create natural lighting or a 'soft light' favored by photographers for its soft, bright and even characteristics that help remove harshness from photos by softening lines on faces or avoiding glare on reflective surfaces.
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Things You'll Need
- Paper and pencil
- Cutting board
- Cutting blade
- Scissors
- Tape
- Glue or staple gun
- Ruler
- Two piece of art board
- White sheet (for diffusion panel)
- Dark sheet (to cover the art board)
- Light kit with stand
- 2 200-watt bulbs
- 1 extension cord
Instructions
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Measure Art Board
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1
Lay art board on cutting board, measure and draw out shape of box, taking into consideration the size of the light source (ensure the light does not touch any part of the soft box because it will get hot).
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2
Making enough allowance for the light source, cut the art board into two sets of rectangles, which will have the same length but slightly different widths, for example, two pieces of 12 by 26 inches and two pieces of 12 by 29 inches, to total four rectangles.
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3
Combine the four rectangles into a box shape, with like dimensions facing each other. Make sure they align properly and tape together
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4
You can cover the box with the dark material at this point. Though not vital, it helps to cover up the art board and the tape holding it together to give it a more professional appearance. To do this, place the box on the dark material and use scissors to cut out the same rectangular dimensions used to put the box together, adding an extra inch border all around for folding. Cover box with dark material and secure using glue or staple gun.
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5
Using the white sheets as diffusers, place box face-down on fabric and cut out shape, adding a one inch border for folding. Secure to box with glue or staple gun.
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6
Based on light source you are working with, set up slots in the back of the soft box to attach to light stand, positioned to not touch light source.
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7
Set up light source and stand, replace regular bulbs with 200-watt bulbs. Mount soft box over light source and secure to light stand. Test your homemade soft box.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Energy-efficient light bulbs give you the same brightness for lower costs and reduces heat.
Never leave light unattended. They can get really hot.
