Light Box Tutorial

TUIC blog group has been discussing taking photos of their work INSIDE. I have always used natural light and taken my pictures outside. This achieves really good results and eliminates the need for a flash (which can wash out your image). But with winter fast approaching in Colorado, it makes for limited outside opportunities.

The light box idea came from April who did some great research and found this  link on how to make an inexpensive light box. Here is your supply list: cardboard box (mine is 16”x13”x11”), masking tape, double sided tape, an old white t-shirt or two depending on the size, 1 large piece of white poster board, scissors, and a sharp serrated knife, spray glue, pencil or marker.

Step one:  measure in 2″ from the side of the box marking multiple points with your marker. When your done you will see your border, connect the points using your straight edge to where you should have a nice looking square/rectangle in the middle of the box with a 2″ border around it. Leave the top and bottom of the box alone as you will not need to mark it.  (These directions came directly from this link). 

  

Step Two: Cut out the square leaving the 2” boarder. Repeat that to the sides of the box where you have drawn the boxes. When you’re done, cut off the top of the box or remove the flaps on the top of the box. LEAVE THE BOTTOM INTACT!

Step Three: Now take your poster board and make lines with your marker for every two inches 16 times. Then proceed to cut out 16 strips with your scissors. Glue the paper strips into the box. Make sure the side with marker goes against the cardboard so it can not be seen. Take another piece of poster board and cut is so the width is the same as the inside of the box and the length is much longer then the box. Place the long piece of poster board into the box to where the piece curves to the bottom. Avoid creasing as it will show up in your photo. Cut off excess paper that is sticking out the top. 

Step four: Cut your white t-shirt (no print or it will cause a shadow) to where it will cover the holes. Then cut a big piece to where it will cover the top of the box. Tape the fabric to cover the holes in the box except the one that is facing your background. Then tape the top piece on. I used double sided tape to make it tight over the openings and then finished off the edges with masking tape.



Finally you are done!!!  This took about an hour.  Just now take a goose neck lamp to shine down on the top of the box.  I actually moved my by a bright window and used the lamp on top, with all the lights on in the room.

Here is the results:  NO FLASH just the light box and a goosneck lamp!  Thanks for the link April!  

Thanks for visiting!  Hope this tutorial helped! I appologize for all the different fonts and sizes of type...blogger is being very difficult!!!

Paper: Hobby Lobby

Stamp: Rubber from Michaels dollar bin

Ribbon: Hobby Lobby

Ink: Momento Tuxedo black

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