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How to Make a Light Box for Photographing Mannequins

An adjustable flash head allows you to brightly illuminate any shot. However, the light produced by the unit is often obtrusive, casting harsh black shadows behind the subject and masking details. Light boxes are attached to external flash units to provide a soft, diffuse light source. They are commonly used in professional studio shoots and product photography. Your homemade light box can be used when photographing models, whether they are mannequins or actual people.

Things You'll Need

Shoe box
White construction paper
Scissors
Glue stick
Utility knife
Tape
White tissue paper

Instructions

- 1
  Cut several pieces of white construction paper large enough to cover the bottom and inside panels of the shoe box.
- 2
  Attach the paper to the inside of the shoe box using a glue stick. Allow the glue to dry for at least an hour before proceeding.
- 3
  Flip the shoe box upside down and orient it horizontally. Cut a rectangular hole, slightly smaller than your flash unit's adjustable head, into the bottom of the shoe box using a utility knife. The hole should be as centered as possible.
- 4
  Drape two to three sheets of tissue paper across the open top of the shoe box. Pull the tissue paper taught and secure it to the outer sides of the box with tape.
- 5
  Fit the light box onto your flash unit by pushing the adjustable head into the hole you cut in the bottom of the box. The fit should be snug enough to keep the light box mounted as you photograph your mannequins.

Photography