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Make your own lightbox for cheap!

Oct 8, 2006

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    1. Like everyone else I want to get my hands on a lightbox or light tent but I am broke and am a cheapskate (JK!). SO after some browsing on the net I found some neat tutorials on how to build your own! They look very simple and definately cheaper than buying one if you can't afford one or are too cheap to buy one :P


      Making a frame using PVC tubing
      http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/light_box_light_tent

      even cheaper by using a carboard box!
      http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-diy-10-macro-photo-studio.html


      I plan on trying out the cardboard box variety as a testrun and will eventually try the PVC tube frame one for durability. I will try and post pics once I am done and show the results
       
      #1 BoneBagz, Oct 8, 2006
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    2. I've been using a cardboard one for doll eye photos. The cardboard frame casts a shadow and leaves big square highlights on shiny things.
       
      #2 cheshiretiffy, Oct 8, 2006
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    3. If you used a super huge box like a cutdown appliance box, would it cut down on the shadows cast from the frame because of all the extra space if you have your doll or item directly in the centre?

      Hmmm now where can I get an appliance box?...~scratchs head~
       
      #3 BoneBagz, Oct 8, 2006
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    4. I'm not sure. The one I'm using is rather small since its just doll eyes.
       
      #4 cheshiretiffy, Oct 8, 2006
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    5. wow!! these are great!! I'm so gonna try the cardboard one! :D
       
      #5 himitsu, Oct 8, 2006
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    6. I was using the cardboard box one before I got mine and I loved it. I've still been using it for things I sell on ebay.
       
      #6 onnawufei, Oct 8, 2006
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    7. Y'know, as far a frameworks go - I have one of those 10x10 tents that I can't use any longer (the "fabric" shrank over 10 years and can't be pulled taut any more) - but the multiple pieces of the aluminum framework are still around here somewhere, along with the plastic connectors. I can hacksaw through those thin rods easily. Seems like one more way of making a light box frme! I wouldn't take it out in a high wind, but still....

      Also - just thought of it - in Home Depot, they sell bamboo support poles for the garden. I just saw a supply of large U-shaped ones the other day - a little lashing together and a white sheet to drape would seem to be a possible "light tunnel" or "dome" -- (In fact, I built a rectangular framework one year out of the straight ones, lashed together with nothing more than long tie-backs, to put screening over some plants.)

      Maybe someone will find these ideas useful!
       
      #7 hobbywhelmed, Oct 9, 2006
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    8. Oh wow! I've been wondering about this for some time. Definately very useful and worth a try
       
      #8 northern_raven, Dec 20, 2006
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