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How to Make a Lightbox

Crisp, clear photographs may seem to be a secret of the pros, but you can replicate these shots at home if you make a lightbox. Lightboxes and light tents work to diffuse the light that you cast upon your photographic subjects so that there are no shadows or glare. This quality of light also makes it easier to photograph details in the subject. While you can purchase a lightbox at a photography shop, it is much more inexpensive to make your own and you can make it the proper size to fit your subjects.

Things You'll Need

Cardboard box
Utility knife
White tissue paper
Tape
Scissors
Poster board
Lights

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a box that is large enough to hold the object you wish to photograph. Cut the top flaps off the box with the utility knife. This will be the front of your box.
- 2
  Cut a square out of each side of the box except the bottom, leaving a 1-inch rim between the square and the edge of the box.
- 3
  Cover each opening you cut with two sheets of white tissue paper and tape in place. Do not cover the front of the box where you cut off the flaps.
- 4
  Cut a piece of white poster board to a size that will fit inside the box stretching from the front bottom edge to the back top edge. Tape in place if it does not stay in place. It should curve from the top to the bottom.
- 5
  Place your subject in the box and arrange lights around the tissue-covered sides so the light diffuses onto your subject. You can use whatever lights are available, such as tabletop lights or clip-on study lights. Take a picture of your subject through the front opening.

Photography