How to Build a Photographer Light Box

Select a cardboard box that will be large enough to place the items you are photographing inside of the box. You can create different size boxes and keep them for future shoots. Choosing a box with thicker cardboard will be sturdier and should last longer.

Using a ruler and marker, draw a straight line from top to bottom and side to side, inset two inches from the edge of the box. Do this on all four sides.

Remove the top flaps of the box with a utility knife and cut along the lines that were made on the four sides, and remove the flaps from the top of the box. Once done your box will have an opening on the top and on all four sides of it.

Cut a piece of white Bristol board to match the width of the box. Attach the board with tape to the bottom front inside of the box and feed the rest of the board into box so it is laying flat on the bottom, but has small curve in back bottom corner of the box. By curving the back corner, you are creating what is referred to as a “seamless backdrop” in your light box. Secure the other end of the board to the back top portion of the box.

Cover the two side openings and the opening at the top with wax paper and secure in place with tape. The wax paper will act as a diffuser for the lights you will use.

Position three lights, one on either side of the box and the third at the top all pointing toward the paper sides. Place the item you photographing inside the box.

Turn the lights on, and you are ready to start taking pictures.