In this article I offer you a tutorial so you can build your own light box so easy and very economical.
We’ll go step by step and you will illustrate the process with photographs. You’ll see how easy it is.
Also I’m going to give some options for you to buy a light box of good quality and at a very economic price, in the event that you would like to buy one already made.
Table of Contents
WHAT IS THE USE OF A LIGHT BOX?
A light box is primarily intended for product photography. Although it also serves as to any photograph that you want to experiment at home with a diffuse light. Yes, with objects that are small or medium-sized ;).
If you have ever wondered how you can get a photo of an object in full detail, with such funds as whiteys and so well lit, this is the answer. Just as you think that only a professional can get something like that, but that is not the case. It takes a light box (and the basic knowledge of photography, of course 😉 ).
MATERIALS TO BUILD A LIGHT BOX FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
You’re going to need the following materials, as you can see, some are not essential and other may vary depending on your tastes, preferences and availability:
- Box (the size will depend on the size of the objects you want to photograph).
- Paper plant. Any materials that allow light to pass through and be white you will serve. The tissue paper can also be used, although it’s still more fragile and break down before. If you have any t-shirt white cotton to pull you can serve. You can also use baking paper.
- White paint (optional). I will recommend it because this way it reflects the light (in addition to being more beautiful), although it is not impressible. The decision is yours ;).
- Cutter/Scissors. To cut out the box it is more convenient to the cutter, for the rest… the scissors.
- Glue. Here you can use glue to normal, gun heat seal or adhesive tape, either duct tape or masking.
- Pencil
- Rule
- White card stock
- (optional). White electrical tape or masking Can help you to paste the paper on the windows or to “beautify” the edges.
- Pins (optional). To set the background.
STEPS TO BUILD A LIGHT BOX FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
As I said in the introduction I’m going to explain step by step so that you don’t miss out. I am I need all well chewed, and so I like to explain it, because I hope to not be the only one ;).
1. MARK A FRAMEWORK IN THE BOX
On the sides and at the top, mark it with the rule a framework of about 4 or 5 cm from the edge inward. This also depends on the size of the box. If it is very small, the frame will be more narrow.
2. CUT OUT FRAMES
With the cutter cuts down the line and removed the cardboard left over. You will be left with a window like this.
3. PAINTING THE INSIDE OF THE BOX WHITE
This way you will not only be more beautiful (which is a point ;)), but it will reflect the light better. This step is optional, if you’re going to cover the whole of the inside with fabric or paper is not necessary. And outside… to taste, if you want to paint it and make it more beautiful, it is all yours ;). And another thing, the background and the base is not necessary that the painting as it will be white cardboard, if you look closely in the photo, you’ll see that I haven’t painted (I have only ever cleaned the brush on cardboard ;P).
4. PUT THE PAPER
Or the fabric you have chosen. You can put it outside if it is more comfortable, or put it on the inside covering the entire inside of it, so will not show up in the photos, no cutting. You can paste it with electrical tape or with glue or normal Thermo sealed. If you use fabric seeks taut well. As if it is a paper with little body, such as the role of silk. I at the time you paste it I’ve been pulling from each side to tighten as much as possible. After you trim the excess from the edges.
Will be more or less (note the glue still has not dried up, right? ;)):
5. PLACE THE CARD IN THE BACKGROUND
Measure the width of the box and cut the poster board to size. You can paste it with glue or put it with thumbtacks for if you decide to change the background from time to time. As you can see (red arrow) I don’t have set right on the edge, but is that my box was very high and did not reach the paper to the edge of the base, with which the court is seen in the pictures.
(Mental note-tip: choose well-the size of the box 😉 ).
Let the paper fall to single, not the double that is small in the background, so you won’t see the bend in the photos. Better have that curve. I have put a white card stock, but you can also set a different color or even a cloth. Everything will depend on the fund that you want for your photography.
You already have your safe list! Mine has been so safe to you it is better, depends on how well you craft or diy and the patience or the time that you spend on it.
But in this case what is important is not that it is beautiful if not that you can achieve the photos you want, that is functional, so don’t get bogged down with perfection ;).
EXAMPLES OF PHOTOS TAKEN WITH A LIGHT BOX HOMEMADE
Here’s an example, first without the light box, then with the light box. This test is performed with natural light, beneath a window.
But of course, the light box is not just for when you have a great natural light, right? When the light is low rather put spotlights on each side, as in this example.
BUY LIGHT BOX
What do you think about too much work? You don’t have much time? How the crafts are not your thing? Well, not nothing happens. If you are interested in, have light boxes very affordable price.
