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How to Create an Inexpensive Photography Lightbox: 15 steps
8/10/2012
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How to Create an Inexpensive Photography
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Make a Small Tabletop Light Reflector
Good jewelry and close-up photography requires good lighting. However, being able to light a
piece properly to show the true color and beauty of it can be difficult. A light box is a great solution.
It provides light diffusion and a uniform background against which to place your piece. Although
they can be expensive, this article shows you how to create a lightbox for as little as $2 (or nothing,
if you already have the materials).
Steps
Take Candlelight Photography
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Create a Lightbox from a Cardboard
Box
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1
Choose a box appropriate for the size of the objects you will photograph. You may
find that you need to make boxes in various sizes.
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2
Secure the bottom of the box with packing tape. Use more packing tape to secure the
bottom flaps inside. This will keep them out of the way.
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How to Create an Inexpensive Photography Lightbox: 15 steps
3
Lay the box on its side, with the opening facing you.
4
Mark lines about 1 inch (2.54 cm) inside each edge of the box on each side and on the
top. A standard 12" (30 cm) ruler makes the perfect straight edge and is the right width.
5
Using the box cutter, carefully cut along the lines you drew. You can use the ruler
as a straight edge to guide your cut. It is not necessary to get the cuts absolutely straight.
Notice that the flaps on the front of the box have been left on for now to add stability and
make it easier to cut. You may find that taping the front flaps shut makes it easier to cut.
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How to Create an Inexpensive Photography Lightbox: 15 steps
6
Cut the front flaps off with a box cutter.
7
Cut a section of tissue paper large enough to fit over each of the openings you
cut. Then tape it to the outside of the box using cellophane tape. Start with one layer of
tissue paper. After completing the box and making some test shots, you may find that you
need additional layers of tissue paper to achieve the right lighting.
8/10/2012
You can use tissue paper, wax paper, a shower curtain or a sheet
to diffuse light
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How to Create an Inexpensive Photography Lightbox: 15 steps
8
Use your box cutter and scissors to remove any stray pieces of cardboard from
the front edge of the box.
9
Cut a piece of matte white poster board to fit the inside of your box. The piece
should be in the shape of a rectangle, with the width being the same as a side of the box,
but the length being twice as long.
10
Insert the poster board into the box, curving it up towards the top of the box.
Curve it gently; don't crease it. Trim it if necessary. This will create an infinite, edgeless
look for the background of your shots.
11
Cut matte black poster board in sections large enough to cover the tissue paper
areas. This will allow you to block light from certain directions when taking photographs.
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a router mat or a heavy black shelf liner would work for blocking
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How to Create an Inexpensive Photography Lightbox: 15 steps
12
Add your lighting. Photo lights, flashes, and even standard desk lamps can be placed on
either side or above the box to produce the desired lighting effect.
13
Take some test shots as you go to see how well your tissue paper filters and
diffuses the light. Add layers of tissue paper as needed. This photo was taken in the
example light box, and is not retouched (other than cropping). Now go start taking great
photos!
14
In the end, your images should come out clean, crisp, and without a ton of gray
color throughout. Take a look at this sample image taken from the box this process build.
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How to Create an Inexpensive Photography Lightbox: 15 steps
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Finished.
Video
Edit
This video shows you how to make a lightbox on a budget.
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How to Create an Inexpensive Photography Lightbox: 15 steps
Tips
8/10/2012
Edit
Make sure to use matte and not glossy poster board. Glossy poster board can reflect the light
and cause glare.
Try other colors of poster board and even fabric to achieve the desired effect.
You may find that removing the bottom of the box makes it easier to just drop the light box over
your subject.
If you take shots straight down from above, cut the bottom of the box like the sides and top,
and cover with tissue paper. Then set the box open side down and cut a lens sized hole in
what is now the top of the box. That way you can lay out your subject on a piece of white matte
cardboard, then drop the box over it, and shoot the photograph through the hole.
If your camera has one, learn how to use its "custom white balance" (WB) feature--this can
make all the difference when shooting items in this fashion.
Warnings
Edit
Be careful with the box cutter. It's hard to take photos without fingers! Always cut away from
yourself and from your hands.
Make sure lights don't start a fire!
Use off camera strobes as well.
Things You'll Need
Edit
Cardboard box (size will depend on what you are shooting)
2-4 sheets of white tissue paper
1 piece of matte white poster board
1 piece of matte black poster board
Scotch tape
Packing tape
12" (30 cm) ruler
pencil or pen
Scissors
Box cutter
Related wikiHows
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How to Improve Your Photography Without Buying New Equipment
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How to Become a Professional Photographer
How to Shoot Slide Film Nature Photography
How to Use Bounce Flash to Improve Your Photography
How to Improve Your Macro Photography With a Macro Light Box
Sources and Citations
HHHenterprises.com
Edit
- Source of photos, shared with permission.
Articles for You to Write
Here is a list of suggested articles that have not yet been written. You can help by researching and writing
one of these articles. To get started writing one of these articles, click on the red link of a title below.
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How to Create an Inexpensive Photography Lightbox: 15 steps
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Article Info
Last edited:
June 25, 2012 by Agent86
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