Build a Light Box

Hi! Today I want to just leave a quick post to share how I made my light box.  My pics aren't great, but it's so simple, I don't think the pics are that important.

All you need is a cardboard box, some white fabric or tissue paper, a box cutter and a piece of posterboard. My box measures12.5"*12.5"*19".  It seems to be the perfect size for taking pics of cards, but you can use what you have on hand.  Depending on what you are photographing, you may want your box to be smaller or bigger.

First, measure in one inch from the edges of the top and the sides of your box.  Cut a window on the top and sides, leaving that 1" border.  It doesn't have to be perfect.  I'm not good with a box cutter, so I just did my best. (dh watched me like a hawk, waiting for the blood to start spurting, but I insisted on doing it myself!)

Next, cut a piece of white fabric or tissue paper to cover the openings.  I used white flannel because I had it on hand.  

If you use tissue paper, you may have to  layer it to get the right light diffusion.  I used hot glue to attach it to the outside of the box.  Pull it tight. It shouldn't warp the box, but you don't want it so loose that it casts shadows.Cut your posterboard hot dog style to fit the box.  You want a gentle curve at the bottom back of the box, not a crease.  This will give you a seamless look.  I used masking tape to attach my posterboard, only at the tippy top.

Right now, I only have a few lights .  I point one in the top of the box and the other in the side.  I face my cards toward those lights.  Because I was only using what I had on hand, I just have CFLs in the lamps.  I will trade them for a daylight bulb when I get to the store.  I will also pick up a couple more fixtures, probably clamping shop lights from Home Depot or Lowe's.

This picture is shot in the box, using only my flash.  I wanted to see what would happen without the outside lights.  My flash really washes it out.  I do like how white the bg looks, though.

This is taken using the outside lights as well as the flash on my camera.  Some people will tell you not to use your flash, but with my camera, I get the best pics with it.  Maybe this won't be true when I get more lights, but for now I just do what works!  I will continue to tweak.  I hope this helps anyone who has been thinking of building a light box.