How to make a lightbox

DIY projects are great because they allow you to be creative and resourceful. Doing things yourself will let you to make mistakes then solve them. If you have some spare time, take a look around to see if anything can be improved through DIY. Undertaking little projects always give me a real buzz and I am excited to be able to post, how to make a DIY lightbox.

Note: Especially in unsteady economical times, doing DIY projects saves money without compromising the results. This post is an addition to my notes on being frugal - introduces ways to be  resourceful and get around spending unnecessary expenses.

This light box can help you to take more professional looking photos of small objects, by providing the right amount of lighting to aid with focus as well as eliminating background light interference.

Gather the following tools:

• Stanley knife
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Ruler
• Masking tape

To get started you will need the following materials:

3 pieces of A4 paper. Don't worry about getting a quality paper, it should be thin and opaque to filter the light.

3 pieces of A3 paper

A cardboard box approximately 30cm x 30cm x 35cm.

2 table lamps.

1 clip light

For the best results use light bulbs that imitate natural light. These are call 'full-spectrum' lights.

Instructions: 

1.  If the cardboard box has a lid, remove the lid with a standley knife. Position the box like the image above.

2. To cut out the openings, draw a guideline on the side of the box with the following measurement:

width: 20cm and height: 25m. Using a standley knife carefully follow the guide to cut of the cardboard.

3. Cut outs are done on the left, top and right sides of the box.

4. Place a sheet of A4 paper over the cut out openings and tape the paper in place with masking tape.

5. Line the bottom of the bottom and back of the box with A3 paper. Make sure you cover all gaps to avoid them showing in your photos.

6. To set up the light box, place the box in an area that has moderate amount of natural light.

Here I have used a scent holder to position the clip lamp - be resourceful to find a way that works for you.

7. Place the box between the two table lamps, directing the light to shine through the A4 paper area. The A4 paper will filter this light to diffuse it and prevent shadows and reflection.

8. Position the clip lamp above the box, directing the light to shine through the A4 paper area.

9. Place a small object inside the box, and shoot from the front with your flash off. 

10. For the best results adjust the position of the lamps depending on the amount of light required. 

Do this by playing around with the lighting according to your environment. If you are shooting where that is limited natural light, place the lamps closer to the paper to increase the light that filters through.

Here are some shots that I captured inside my light box. I was extremely pleased with the clarity and sharpness of these photos. For the shoot I used the Nikon D3100 camera. Which I might add is a gem, perfect for entry level shooting.

Hope this post is helpful.