In this tutorial we’ll learn how to make a DIY Light Box for capturing small stuff in a professional way. We’ll build our own studio for as low as $35! Then, we’re ready to shoot.

Author: Samet Cicek

Samet Cicek is a graphic designer, an illustrator and a photographer based in Istanbul. He is a world-wide freelancer currently working at Microsoft as online marketing specialist.

Tutorial Details

• Shopping List:1 Medium Size Box ($2)

  2 150W Garden Lights
  ($10 each)

  1 Utility Knife ($6)

  1 Duct Tape ($4)

  A few pieces of white paper ($3)

• Skills:Ability to cut and tape
  objects
• Difficulty:Easy

Step 1: Having Your Stuff Ready

OK, if you did the shopping now let’s see what we’re going to use for what.

Step 2: Enfold the Box

Enfold the box. Next, we’ll cut the edges. If you can figure out which side to cut, it’s easier to cut before enfolding.

Step 4: Draw Lines

Draw the lines a little bit smaller than the paper size. Leave some space to tape around the paper.

Step 4 – Cut the Edges

Cut out the part using the utility knife. Then do the same thing for the opposite side.

Step 5 – Main Structural Frame

Here’s how the main frame looks like. I use the blank white paper for background, you can use anything you want.

Step 6 – Cover the Sides with Paper

Using the duct tape, cover the sides with paper in order to soften the light coming accros to your object . Be sure to use quality duct tape, because light may go through the tape at a different intensity and cause line shadows on your product.

Step 7 – Hit the Lights!

Place the lights according to your box . You can use stronger lights for bigger boxes. I’ve used 150W garden lightning for a box at this size.

Final Step – And We’re Done!

Here’s the final. Wasn’t hard, was it?

Examples

You can play around with colors and add sharpness in Photoshop later on. But I’m adding raw images for you to see what can you do at minimum price. I hope you liked this tutorial.

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