How to Build a Light Box for Digital Photography
- 1). Create or start with an already constructed five-sided box. If you have a suitable cardboard box that you can begin with, skip this step. If you do not have a box, you will need to create one out of cardboard or white foam board. To construct a box, cut five equal sides at least 2 feet in length. Use masking, packaging or duct tape to join the seems on all sides and corners on the outside of the box. If you are using a cardboard box that isn't white, line the entire inside of the box (floor, ceiling and walls) with white paper or white poster board.
- 2). Cut a square hole into the top of the box about 5 inches by 5 inches. Cover the hole with semi-sheer material such as a folded white fabric, a few sheets of layered white printer paper or stretched white tissue paper. Any material that will soften and refract a light that is shone through it will work. If using fabric, taping is not necessary. If using a paper product, tape down in order to keep in place.
- 3). Insert a seamless backdrop. A white poster board works best for the backdrop as it is bendable yet completely opaque. If your box is on the slightly smaller size, you will need to cut the poster board to a width that will fit inside of the box without it puckering. Place the poster board inside the box and tape the top edge to the back wall of the box at least half way up. The runner (amount of board that drapes and runs along the floor of the box) should be longer than the amount of board that is vertical along the back. The board should bend in a soft arc over the bottom seam (where the back wall meets the floor) in order to disguise it.
- 4). Place two lamps fitted with full spectrum daylight bulbs at the opening of the box pointed inward and down. Place a third light above the cut and covered opening on the top of the box. Make sure you use daylight bulbs or your light box will be filled with an unnatural hue.
- 5). Situate your object inside of the box and set up your camera. As a light box is generally used for closeups of small subjects (macro photography), using a tripod will help steady your camera and prevent blur even though you will be using a fast shutter speed. When shooting, play around with the lights. Move them, remove them or insert bouncing screens (white cardboard) into the box at a front-right or left angle to the object to experiment.
Source...