Home >> Hobbies >> Photography

DIY Flash Softbox

External flash units are notorious for casting harsh, contrasty light onto a scene or subject. This usually results in overexposed skin tones, deep shadows and distracting glare in the final image. Softboxes are fitted over flash heads to help soften and diffuse the unit's light. When a softbox is used, the model's skin tones are rendered evenly and the background is free of dark, foreboding shadows. Avoid paying hundreds of dollars for a professional softbox when you can make your own in minutes using household materials.

Things You'll Need

Rectangular shoebox
Heavy-duty scissors
White printer paper
Tape
Utility knife
White tissue paper

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the lid of your shoebox. If the lid is secured to the sides of the box, cut it off using heavy-duty scissors.
- 2
  Line the inside of the shoebox with white printer paper. Cut the paper so that each inside panel is completely covered. Tape the paper firmly in place.
- 3
  Cut a rectangular hole in the bottom of the shoebox using a utility knife. The hole should be slightly smaller than the adjustable head on your flash unit to allow for a snug fit.
- 4
  Drape two sheets of white tissue paper over the top of the shoebox and tape them in place. For more light diffusion and softer light, use several more sheets of tissue paper.
- 5
  Insert your flash unit's head into the mount hole on the bottom of the shoebox and proceed with your photography.

Photography