How to Build A Photography Lightbox

Close-up photography of detailed objects requires good lighting. 

However, being able to light an item properly to show the true color, 

details and beauty of the object can be difficult. I think a light box is a 

great solution. It provides light diffusion and a uniform background to help 

you capture the true essence of your item. 

Unfortunately photography lightboxes 

can be expensive, so I decided to make my own.

I looked around the internet and saw a variety of examples from cardboard boxes

to huge wooden boxes.  Then my daughter had a brilliant idea, she said "mom

how about we use art canvas boards?"

Cleaver, it already had the white fabric coating, wood frame standard so

 no extra cost for any of these pieces.  So the more I thought the idea out the

 better I liked it.  Next thing I knew we were in the local craft store deciding

 what size canvas we wanted to use.

Canvas comes in a huge variety of sizes so the choice was fairly simple.  

The size should be appropriate for the the objects you will photograph.  I want

 to learn how to photograph small and medium size items so I didn't need 

anything super big but I wanted a moderate size box just in case 

inspiration hit me to work with a larger object.

You can buy fairly inexpensive canvas in a two package which is

what we purchased.  I decided on a medium size box but you can go as small

or as large as your heart desires since the variety is so big.

Materials 

The 4 pieces of canvas cost me $21 with a half off coupon.  

(I don't buy anything without a coupon)

Glue - I used wood glue for its strength.  You have to smear it on 

with your finger tips so as not to get the glue on to your white fabric.

Tape - I used tape to hold the boards straight while the glue dried.

I put tape across the back and seams and it worked great. 

My box dried overnight and it's tremendously sturdy.  

My 2 year old boy tested it's durability for me, lol.

 Lighting 

You will need to light this box and this could be the most expensive part of the 

box unless you already have the lights. Without good lighting you will not get the 

picture you desire. I already had an Ott Light that I use for everything and I love the 

soft yet bright light it produces so that is what I used.  The Ott Light also has a flexible 

stem that allows you to position it anywhere you wish to utilize the light source.

Since I decided to use a flexible light source I did not 

cut window holes in my box.  I did discover that if I position the light 

outside the box the white fabric diffuses the light, making it soft and perfect 

for taking bright photos with little shadow.

(Total cost was $21 for my light box)

Then I started learning how to use my latest creation.

Lights, camera, action!

Angel