DIY Lightbox (image heavy)

November 10th, 2008
by philosophia

Hi everyone,

As some of you may have seen on my flickr stream, I recently made a lightbox for Blythe photography. Many of you expressed interest in them, so I thought I’d give some hints for anyone who is thinking of making one.

I followed instructions I found on the internet, and in particular looked at other Blythe lightboxes for inspiration (well in particular, Robots for Magnolia, who takes beautiful photos!). It’s really easy, and you can really make it to suit your needs.

Ok here goes. Since I already made one yesterday, but didn’t take any progress shots, I made another one today just for this tutorial! (Note: photos are a little weirdly lighted, sorry about that!)

**

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

* cardboard box – size doesn’t really seem to matter, I used both a small one, and a large one, and they both get great results. As long as it fits into your camera’s shot, it doesn’t really matter I don’t think.

* scissors

* razor

* tracing paper

* masking tape/duct tape

* ruler

* pen

ONTO THE LIGHTBOX!

1. First, tape the bottom of the box, inside and out.

2. Cut off the flaps that usually close the box. I’ve seen some tutorials that say you can keep them to control the light entering, but for the two I’ve made I’ve cut the flaps.

3. Here’s what it should look like

4. Now, you need to choose three sides for attaching tracing paper. On the sides you have chosen, draw a frame about 2.5 cm in from the edges.

5. Here’s what I mean.

6. Cut it out with a razor.

7. Repeat for three sides. Don’t worry about it looking a bit messy at the moment, you’ll clean it up with tape in just a second.

8. Use tape around all the edges to make it neater.

9. Cut tracing paper to fit, and attach it with tape again.

10. Continue for other 2 sides, and you’re done!! Here is the new one (the one on the left) with the one I made yesterday. They both work really well, despite the size difference.

11. When you set it up, you have many options. I don’t have any professional lights, so I took all the floor lamps in our house (parents weren’t too pleased when they wanted to read in bed… lol). I placed one directly above all of the sides. However, you can also use only one light from the top, or none at all! (Natural light and its powers!)

12. Here is a comparison shot of what different lightsources look like (no photoshopping).

From left to right, top to bottom: Natural light, 3 lights, 1 light from top, 2 lights from sides.

For backdrops, you can use paper, cardboard, fake grass (above), fabric… scrapbooking material… anything really! You can attach it with blu-tak or tape.

I’m still experimenting with light sources and the such, but so far photos have been turning out well. I think if I get more white bulbs, the effects will be even better.

Have fun everyone

xx Sophia