The light box is one of the most useful properties for professional (and amateur) photographers alike. A light box will create bright and even lighting to produce sharp and clear photos of objects against a plain background. Read the following steps to find out how to make your own light box at home.
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Method 1 of 3: Basic Construction
Step 1. Decide on the size
The first thing you should do before making a light box is to choose a cardboard size that fits your needs, because most light boxes are made from ready-made cardboard. If most of the objects you're shooting are small, such as flowers, porcelain collectibles, or toys, you can make a small (about 30 cm) square. For larger items, such as kitchen utensils, you will need a larger box.
In general, make sure the box you choose is twice or more larger than the object you're shooting. That is, a larger box is a better choice. But the big box will also take up more space. So, just adjust it to your own needs and limitations
Step 2. Gather the materials
By far, the easiest way to make your own light box is to use a thick cardboard box. You can make a light box from a more durable material. But if the box won't be picked up and moved often, then it's not necessary. In addition to a cardboard box, you will also need a cutter, a ruler, masking tape, and white paper.
If the sides of the box are much larger than the size of the two pieces of paper held together, you will need a wider material to cover both sides of the box with white material. Light white fabrics such as fresh sheets, large white paper, or projector screen material can also be used
Step 3. Cut the squares
Start by cutting off the top cover fin of the box.
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Use the width of the ruler to define the margins of space along each side of the box.
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Cut the center of the square on that side, leaving a margin of space on each edge.
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Don't cut off the other three sides.
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Step 4. Turn the square over and add paper
Turn the square so that the freshly cut side is facing up, and the top of the box is facing you. This is the correct orientation of the light box. Spread the paper with a slight overlap on the outer surface of the box, then glue it with tape to make it strong. The inside of the box must be completely white.
Step 5. Add paper as background
Use the cutter to thinly slice the back-top of the box, right along the corner lines. Slice to almost the width of the square. To hide the corners of the box and create a smooth, plain background, add a sheet of paper to cover it. You do this by tucking one end of the paper out of the previously made slice. For smaller boxes, simply place a sheet of white paper on the back to cover the back wall and bottom of the box in a curved position as if "sitting." Don't fold it. Let the paper curl naturally. Tape the paper with tape on the top-outside of the box.
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For larger squares, use white poster board or similar material with a smooth surface.
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If you want the background to be a different color, just choose the color you want. This background won't be permanently glued to the grid, so you can change it at any time.
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Step 6. Prepare the lighting
After the light box is finished, prepare a bright lamp for lighting. Small boxes can use a flexible table lamp (study lamp). A larger box will require a larger flexible lamp. Aim the two lights so that they illuminate the inside of the light box directly from both sides. Each lamp faces the wall of the box. Turn on both lights and place an object in the box for a test shoot.
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Use the brightest bulb to make sure your subject gets the brightest light possible. Adjust the position of the lights so as not to create shadows around the bottom area of the photo object.
Make a Lightbox Step 6Bullet1 - For a larger box, you can add a third light that can be placed at the top. Do a test run first to make sure the light doesn't create harsh shadows.
Method 2 of 3: Three Lights Box
Step 1. Cut off the top of the box
To make a three-light box that uses more diffused light, you'll need to cut off the top side of the box. Don't forget to leave some margins to keep the box sturdy.
Step 2. Cover the side evenly
Use new bright paper or a roll of white paper and cover all the holes in the box evenly. Tape the ends of the paper with tape to secure them. Make sure there are no wrinkles or tears on the paper.
Step 3. Add a background in the box
Place the box with the uncut side down, and the wide open side facing you. Use the cutter to thinly slice the back-top of the box, right along the corner lines. Slice to almost the width of the square. Use a long piece of stiff paper as a backdrop, tucking it through the cut you've made. Let the paper curl naturally at the bottom of the box.
If there's not enough paper to cover the bottom of the box where you'll be photographing the object, just place another sheet of paper underneath
Step 4. Prepare the lighting
Use one light on both sides and one light on the top of the box. The blank side will allow light to spread through the translucent area and create a bright, even light in the box.
Do not place the lamp too close to the side of the box to prevent it from overheating
Method 3 of 3: Photographing People
Step 1. Prepare a wide space
Keeping in mind the rule of “prepare a bigger place than the object when you want to take pictures,” then you need a large plain white light box for photographing people. At least you need a full room in the house. If you can find a room 6 meters wide by 6 meters high and 3 meters high, that's even better.
You can take advantage of a clean and empty garage
Step 2. Prepare the equipment
A piece of paper will certainly be damaged quickly if someone trampled on it. So for the floor, you need a white board. Purchase a 3 x 3 meter or more plank to cover the floor. Next, purchase a 2.7 meter long roll of seamless paper (available at stationery stores), a sturdy lamp post, and an A-shaped clip to hold the paper in place. Buy three bright lights of the same size and attach them to a tall pole (the height must be adjustable to at least 3 meters). Lastly, buy white bi-fold doors from a hardware store.
- You can also buy folding doors and glue white board on one side.
- You can use these settings to produce professional-quality photos. The price is not cheap and the setup is not fast. If you just want to take pictures of people in a simple way, just hang a roll of paper without a connection with some bright lights. Then adjust the position of the lights until you get a good quality photo.
Step 3. Adjust the lights
Hold the headlight up high and point it at where the paper hangs. Place a screen on it to spread the light a bit. Mount the other two lights on the pole and place them in front of and across from the main light, orienting it towards the center. Use folding doors inside and in front of each lamp to prevent light from hitting the subject area directly from the side lamps. Fold the folding door so that the corners are pointing inward and the white back is facing the lights. Leave about 2.7 meters of space in between, where the main light should be shining.
Step 4. Set the white background
Place the two halves of the white board on the floor, starting from where the camera is to where the paper will hang. Lightly overlap the paper with the board and paper, so that the creases are not visible in the photo. Attach the paper roll to the post and pull it down until it reaches the white board. Let the paper curl naturally as it unfolds down. Attach the A-shaped clamp to hold the paper on top so it doesn't slide down.
Step 5. Turn on the light and take a picture
There are a number of other considerations to be able to get the perfect photo of a lamp arrangement like this. But at this point, the basic setup is pretty good. Just position the subject in front of and between the folding doors, close to the background paper. Then turn on all three lights and start shooting from between and behind the folding doors.
Step 6. Done
Tips
- Get ready to edit. The advantage of the light box is that it produces sharp and clear photos of objects without background interference. However, depending on the quality and settings on the camera, the lights you use, and how soft the interior of the light box is, you will generally still have to edit the photo in a photo editing program to get the best quality.
- Experiment with bulbs. Different colors and materials will give different effects to the light box. Experiment with clear, soft white, halogen bulbs and whatever you like, until you find the right quality of light for your project.
