How to Make an Inexpensive Light Box

I do not have the best house for taking pictures.  If I only knew I was going to be a blogger when we built it 11 years ago, I would have done something different.  For a long time now I have wanted to make my own light box.  When I heard it could be done using a clear plastic container, I nearly ran to the store.  

To make a light box, you need a clear container, a white plastic tablecloth  or thin white cloth, 3 lights, and a piece of white poster board.  I found everything I needed for around $25 at Target. 

The first step is to cover with container with the plastic or cloth and secure with tape.  I used masking tape, but I might go back and use clear packing tape.  You do not need to cover the bottom of the box with the plastic, because you will be covering it at a later time.  

Measure the bottom of your box, and cut the poster board to fit inside.  I accidentally cut my poster board from the wrong direction so it was a little bit on the short side. I added a piece of card stock to the top which is fine when I need to take pictures of smaller items because it won't be seen.  If I want to take wider pictures,that will not be a problem either.  Sit the box on it's side and cut a wider piece of poster board to fit the width of the box.  Make sure though that it is long enough to cover the bottom of the box, so you have a place to sit the item you are photographing. 

I found these clip lights for $5.99 in the light aisle.  I only bought two because I already have a desk lamp with an adjustable next to use on one side. I aimed  each of the side lights into the box. 

I clipped one of the lights to the top of the box, and aimed it down. 

I went in my craft room, and found my cute little Easter Treat Boxes .  I thought they would be a good thing to photograph, especially with Easter coming up soon.  This is one of the pictures I took with the light box. It is unaltered with the exception of my watermark.  I think I need to lower the lights a little bit more, but I do like how the photo turned out. 

This picture is the combination of the light box, and applying an auto adjust to the photo. No other altering was done. I really like how bright this photo turned out. 

I took this picture in natural light on my kitchen table. I noticed there were more shadows when taken in natural light.   I will have to see how it works in the evening with even less light, but for now I am happy with how the light box is working.  

I will be linking up my Light Box Tutorial on the following linky parties here.