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How to Build a Macro Photography Light Box

Macro photography captures details of small objects like rings, flowers and insects. A light box creates even, diffused light to make your macro photo subject stand out against a seamless background. A macro light box can be made from a simple cardboard box.

Things You'll Need

Cardboard box
Scissors or box cutter
Tissue paper or tracing paper
Tape
Poster board
Light source (external flash or lamp)

Instructions

- 1
  Place the cardboard box on its side, with the open side facing you.
- 2
  Reinforce the closed end with tape to provide stability.
- 3
  Using scissors, cut large squares from the top and two sides of the box. Leave enough cardboard at the corners so the box can stand on its own.
- 4
  Tape pieces of tissue or tracing paper over the holes on the top and sides of the box.
- 5
  Place a piece of poster board (white is typically used) inside the box, allowing it to curve from the top of the box to the front. This will create your seamless background.
- 6
  Place your light source on the outside of the box so it shines through the paper window.
- 7
  Experiment with the placement of the light source to get the effect you want.

Photography