Difference between revisions of "Create an Inexpensive Photography Lightbox"
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[[Category:Photography Lighting]] | [[Category:Photography Lighting]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
| − | # Choose a box. The size should be appropriate for the the objects you will [[Take a Still Photograph With A Motion Object|photograph]]. You may find that you need to make boxes in various sizes. | + | # Choose a box. The size should be appropriate for the the objects you will [[Take a Still Photograph With A Motion Object|photograph]]. You may find that you need to make boxes in various sizes. |
| − | # Secure the bottom of the box with [[Create a Packing Tape Sculpture|packing tape]]. Use more packing tape to secure the bottom flaps inside. This will keep them out of the way. | + | # Secure the bottom of the box with [[Create a Packing Tape Sculpture|packing tape]]. Use more packing tape to secure the bottom flaps inside. This will keep them out of the way. |
| − | # Lay the box on its side. Have the opening facing you. | + | # Lay the box on its side. Have the opening facing you. |
| − | # Mark lines about 1 inch (2'''.5 cm) inside each edge of the box on each side and on the top.''' A standard 12" (30cm) [[Use a Ruler|ruler]] makes the perfect straight edge and is the right width. | + | # Mark lines about 1 inch (2'''.5 cm) inside each edge of the box on each side and on the top.''' A standard 12" (30cm) [[Use a Ruler|ruler]] makes the perfect straight edge and is the right width. |
| − | # 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. | + | # 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. |
| − | # Cut the front flaps off with a box cutter. | + | # Cut the front flaps off with a box cutter. |
| − | # Cut a section of white fabric (white muslin fabric) or White Nylon and white fleece, 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 fabric. 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. | + | # Cut a section of white fabric (white muslin fabric) or White Nylon and white fleece, 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 fabric. 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. |
| − | # Use the box cutter and [[Sharpen Scissors|scissors]] to remove any stray pieces of cardboard from the front edge of the box. | + | # Use the box cutter and [[Sharpen Scissors|scissors]] to remove any stray pieces of cardboard from the front edge of the box. |
# 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. | # 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. | ||
| − | # 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. | + | # 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. |
| − | # 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. | + | # 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. |
| − | # 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. | + | # 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. |
| − | # Take some test shots as you go. 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! | + | # Take some test shots as you go. 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! |
| − | # 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 built. | + | # 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 built. |
# Finished. | # Finished. | ||
