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How do I Make a Desktop Photo Studio?

A desktop photo studio is a device that is used often in product photography. Mimicking a full-sized photo studio, this minuscule version provides a clean background and diffused lighting for the subject. Conditions inside the desktop photo studio create images that have soft light on the subject without harsh shadows. They also create lighting conditions that are easy to meter and adjust camera settings accordingly. Making a desktop photo studio requires only a few supplies.

Things You'll Need

Cardboard box
Marker
Straight edge
Box cutter
White nylon cloth
Scissors
Glue
White poster board

Instructions

- 1
  Place a cardboard box on a flat surface. Turn the box so that the front faces you.
- 2
  Draw one square covering the almost the entire area on the top, back and two sides of the box. Use a straight edge to ensure the lines are straight.
- 3
  Cut along the marks drawn in Step 2 with a box cutter. Remove the flaps from the opening of the box at this point as well.
- 4
  Cut the white nylon fabric to fit over each square hole on the box. Do not cover the front opening with fabric.
- 5
  Glue the fabric over the holes. Pull each fabric piece taut so no wrinkles occur.
- 6
  Cut a piece of white poster board to fit the bottom of the inside of the box. Glue it inside with the matte side facing up.
- 7
  Place three daylight fluorescent lamps around the box. One goes on either side of the box and the third goes above or behind the box. Adjust the lights as each photography project requires.

Photography