In this article I offer you a tutorial so you can build your own light box easily and very economically. We will go step by step and I will illustrate the process with photographs. You will see how simple it is. What is a light box? Here is a photo for you to see, but basically it serves to illuminate your objects in a soft and diffuse way.
WHAT IS THE USEFULNESS OF A LIGHT BOX?
A light box is mainly used for product or still life photography. Although it also works for any photograph you want to experience at home with a diffused light. Of course, with small or medium sized objects;). If you have ever wondered how you can get a photograph of an object in detail, with those backgrounds so white and so well lit, this is the answer. You still think that only a professional can achieve something like that, but that is not the case. A light box is enough for you (and the basic knowledge of photography, of course ).MATERIALS
You will need the following materials, as you will see, some are not essential and others may vary according to your tastes, preferences or availability:- Box (the size will depend on the size of the objects you want to photograph).
- Vegetable paper Any material that lets the light through and is white will help you. Tissue paper can also serve you, although it is even more fragile and breaks down before. If you have a white cotton t-shirt to throw you can serve You can also use baking paper.
- White paint (optional). I recommend it because in this way it reflects the light (besides being more beautiful), although it is not essential. The choice is yours ;).
- Cutter / Scissors To cut the box the cutter is more comfortable, for the rest ... the scissors.
- Glue. Here you can use normal glue, heat sealing gun or adhesive tape, either insulating tape or bodybuilder.
- Pencil
- Ruler
- White cardboard
- White or bodybuilder tape (optional). It can be used to paste the paper into the windows or to "beautify" the edges.
- Thumbtacks (optional). To put the bottom.
STEPS
As I told you in the introduction I will explain it step by step so you don't get lost. I am one of those who need everything well chewed, and so I like to explain it, because I hope I am not the only one;).1. MARK A FRAME IN THE BOX
On the lateral sides and on the top, mark with the ruler a frame of about 4 or 5 cm, from the edge inwards. This also depends on the size of the box. If it is very small, the frame will be narrower.2.CUT THE FRAMES
Cut the line with the cutter and remove the remaining cardboard. You will have some windows like these.3.PAINT THE INSIDE OF THE WHITE BOX
This way you will not only look prettier (which is a point;)), but it will better reflect the light. This step is optional, if you are going to cover the entire interior with the fabric or paper it is not necessary. And on the outside ... to taste, if you feel like painting it and make it prettier, it's all yours;). And another thing, the bottom and the base it is not necessary that you paint it because the white cardboard will go, if you look at the photo you will see that I have not painted it (I have only cleaned the brush in the cardboard; P).4.PUT THE PAPER
Or the fabric, whatever you have chosen. You can put it on the outside if it is more comfortable for you, or put it on the inside covering the entire interior, so no cuts will appear in the photos. You can glue it with electrical tape or normal glue or heat seal. If you use cloth try to stretch it well. The same if it is a paper with little body, like tissue paper. At the time of hitting it I have been pulling each side to tense it as much as possible. Then trim the remaining edges.5.PLACE THE BOTTOM CARDBOARD
Measure the width of the box and cut the cardboard to size. You can glue it with glue or put it with pushpins in case you decide to change the background from time to time. As you will see (red arrow) I have not put it right on the edge, but it is that my box was very high and the cardboard did not reach the edge of the base, with what the cut was seen in the photos. (Mental note-advice: choose the box size well bien). Let the cardboard fall alone, do not double it so that it sinks in the background, so you will not see the fold in the photos. Better have that curve. I have put a white cardboard, but you can also put one of another color or even a cloth. Everything will depend on the background that interests you most for your photography. You already have your box ready! Mine has been like this, sure that it fits you better, it depends on how well you are given the crafts or DIY and on the patience or time you dedicate. But in this case the important thing is not that it is beautiful if you can not achieve the photos you want, that it is functional, so do not be overwhelmed with perfection;).TESTS
Here is an example, first without a light box, then with the light box. This test is performed with natural light, under a window. But of course, the light box is not only for when you have great natural light, right? When the light is rather low place spotlights on each side, as in this example.PURCHASE OPTION
What do you think about too much work? Do you need time? Are crafts not your thing? Well, nothing happens either. If you are interested, you have very affordable light boxes.YOU DARE?
Now that you have read the article, do you feel like having yours? You have already seen that it is very, very easy. And if you decide to buy it, there are also economic options. Your product photos will be of cinema and you can practice with a "mini-studio" lighting with any object you have at home. I encourage you to get one and tell us the comments or share the results. And, if you found the article useful, please share it so that it reaches more people. Thanks and see you soon.