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How to Make a Light Box for Product Shots on Mannequins

After taking several photographs of a group of clothed mannequins using your external flash unit, you notice stark, black shadows cast behind the figures. Though a flash unit is great for providing extra illumination in product photography and studio shoots, the light can be overbearing. A light box is mounted over the head of a unit to diffuse the flash output, resulting in soft, flattering light that does not cast any obtrusive shadows. Avoid paying top dollar for one of these devices by making your own out of household materials.

Things You'll Need

Shoe box
Utility knife
White construction paper
Scissors
Glue stick
White tissue paper
White masking tape

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the lid of your shoe box. If there are any flaps or other pieces of cardboard attached to the top edges of the box, cut these off with a utility knife.
- 2
  Cut several pieces of white construction paper large enough to cover the bottom and sides of the inside of the shoe box. Apply the paper to the inside of the box using a glue stick. Let the glue cure for the time suggested on the container before proceeding to the next step.
- 3
  Turn the box so that its bottom faces upward and position it horizontally. Use a utility knife to cut a rectangular hole slightly smaller than the size of your flash unit's adjustable head in the center of the box. Flip the box back over.
- 4
  Lay three sheets of white tissue paper over the top of the box. Pull the paper taught and secure it to the outer edges of the box with white masking tape.
- 5
  Mount the finished light box to your flash unit by inserting the adjustable head into the rectangular hole in the underside of the box.

Photography