Tutorial: Making a Lightbox with Lovealisa

LoveAlisa recently decided to dive into the world of lightbox making, and she was nice enough to take photos along the way to write up a tutorial for the blog. Follow this to start the path to better photography in no time!

Creating your own Professional Photography Studio

It has become apparent to me that I need to improve my product photos. They aren’t terribly awful, but I want them to stand out and show off how fantastic they are in my eyes! So, I started researching and heard a lot about Light Boxes. I basically took my design from this lovely tutorial (http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-diy-10-macro-photo-studio.html), with some insignificant but duly noted changes. Most of this low cost project can be found rummaging around my pantry/craft area/closets for items of use.

Go Gather your Supplies!!!

• 1. One Box (about 14x14x14 seemed like the right size, just eyeball it. Eventually I’ll make one capable of holding my totes)


• 2. Scissors/Exacto Knife (to cut out your panels. Be careful, I sliced my fingers holding onto scissors and sawing…)


• 3. Parchment Paper (or anything to diffuse light… tissue paper, thin white fabric etc)


• 4. Poster Board (in white, and/or optional black)


• 5. Tacky Glue (tape works if you have strong packing or electric tape… which I did not.)

Costs:

I forgot that my hubby and I live in a one-bedroom apartment, and we don’t have a lot to rummage through. So, I did purchase a few items. Box: $4.50 Poster Board: $0.49

Steps:

1. Cut out three square panels from three sides (see photo). If you don’t want your hubby calling you “Alisa Scissor Hands” please be careful how you hold your sharp tools.

OPTIONAL: Cut out the bottom side of your box so you can take your light box outside and photograph immovable plant life and other items.

2. Cut parchment paper to match the empty panels plus 1 inch room on each side.

3. Glue the parchment paper to cover the panels. (I tried to use scotch tape, but I realized after taping ALL the panels on, that it didn’t work and it all fell off.)

4. While the glue dries, trim the poster board to a width of 14 inches and slide it into place.

5. Bada Bing, Bada Boom. You are done. Go take the best photos of your Etsy items!

Note: I have been using this outside with natural light (which works) but you can also use two lamps on either side.

Check out the above bracelet in the Etsy Owls shop where proceeds go 100% to Autism research! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5271044&section_id=5156130