Just found the perfect DIY lightbox design!

[Former_Member]

I wrote about it, and my experience with the standard DIY lightbox design, here: http://pareandfocus.com/index.htm/diy-lightbox-do-it-yourslelf-pop-up-light-tent/

The new design is from DIYPhotography.net, and it uses a pop-up laundry bag to create a frame for a pop-up light tent. Way more convenient than the giant, static box design that I used before.

Hope you like it!

[woobiebeans]

Awesome! I have not been pleased with my cardboard box version since I made it. This is perfect! Thanks for sharing!

[Former_Member]

Thanks for sharing!

[Former_Member]

Great find!

[sunshineandvodka]

they can be bulky! I made one with PVC pipe and muslin fabric that fit around it with velcro on the corners. you can easily take it apart and store it when not in use and make it any size you need.

The only problem with light boxes is the lack of natural light, which is always best for photographing.

[Former_Member]

Natural light is great. But a lightbox is designed to mimic natural window light. Sometimes they're even better than natural light, if the only light you have is very very dark, or you only have access to direct harsh light from the sun.

If your material is thin enough, you can try taking your lightbox outside in direct sunlight, and use the lightbox to diffuse that harsh light. I might try that as an experiment when I get home! Thank you for the inspiration :)

[thevicagirl]

Interesting, I am always on the search for a new way to photograph my work. I love, love my box, but have been trying to get the white to go completely white for awhile now. But this one seems very nice. I still don't know about how bright I could get it. May have to try it out.

[Former_Member]

I bought materials yesterday to make a light box. One person uses an ott bulb; but I couldn't find one. I bought 2 metal clamp on lights with 5000K 15 watt bulbs. Ill start trying it out tonite. Ill have to ck out your site!

[Former_Member]

That's great! I need to work on my pictures and I've been thinking about building a lightbox.
Thanks for the link!

[Former_Member]

@ VaLon - two tips to help get your background completely white....

1. get as much light as you can directly on the background
2. use exposure compensation in your camera to brighten the picture.

I've written an explanation about why photos turn out dull, even when you use a lot of light here: http://pareandfocus.com/index.htm/why-are-my-pictures-too-dark/ if that sounds like your problem, Exposure compensation will help a ton!