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Bill Huber | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> Light Box / Light Tent tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Light Box / Light Tent



You may want to read thought the comments at the bottom of the page, some different ideas on lights and how to make it.

I always use a tripod when using the light tent, you have to have long exposures to get the light the way you want it. If you will notice that just about all of the shots were taken in less then 1 second.

If your camera can shoot in raw that is always the best way to go, you can adjust the White Balance much better with raw files.

Follow these instrutions to build a light box.
You will need the following items:

Hacksaw or fine cut wood saw.
File or some 80 or 100 grit sandpaper.
Screw Driver
A carpentars square or something like it to get things square.

3 - 1/2 x 5ft. CPVC pipe. $1.34 ea.
4 - 1/2 CPVC Tees, $.24 ea.
4 - 1/2 CPVC Street Elbows. $.24 ea.
4 - 1/2 CPVC Caps $.23 ea.
1 - Can CPVC Cement. $2.35
3 - Number 6 sheetmetal screws. $.04 ea.
1 - Twin bed sheet. $5.49
I have used all 1/2 inch CPVC pipe and fitting on the whole project. The sizes here will make a nice desktop Light Box, you can make it any size you want or need. Just remember you will need 2 pices the same size for the width and 2 of the same size for the depth. The 4 legs will all be the same. I did not use the cleaner on the pipe before I glued it, I just don't plan on running any water thought it so I see no need for it. The glue holds just fine without it.
Parts Needed		I have used all 1/2 inch CPVC pipe and fitting on the whole project. The sizes here will make a nice desktop Light Box, you can make it any size you want or need. Just remember you will need 2 pices the same size for the width and 2 of the same size for the depth. The 4 legs will all be the same. I did not use the cleaner on the pipe before I glued it, I just don't plan on running any water thought it so I see no need for it. The glue holds just fine without it.
Cut all pieces that you need. After you have cut all your pipe pieces you will need to clean the burrs from the ends of each pipe. The inside is not important but the outside should be clean and free of burrs. Set them on end and check that all the pieces are the same length. If needed sand or file them to the correct length.
Burrs		Cut all pieces that you need. After you have cut all your pipe pieces you will need to clean the burrs from the ends of each pipe. The inside is not important but the outside should be clean and free of burrs. Set them on end and check that all the pieces are the same length. If needed sand or file them to the correct length.
Putting the top frame together. Dry fit everything together before you glue. Lay all the pieces on a flat suffice and put all part together to make sure they fit. Then do one corner at a time glue the parts together. Make sure you square each part with the other as you glue it. The glue is not real fast so you do have time to get the part squared up with the others.
Top Frame		Putting the top frame together. Dry fit everything together before you glue. Lay all the pieces on a flat suffice and put all part together to make sure they fit. Then do one corner at a time glue the parts together. Make sure you square each part with the other as you glue it. The glue is not real fast so you do have time to get the part squared up with the others.
Glue the Caps on the legs. Install the Street Elbows on the legs but DO NOT GLUE. I have 2 sets of legs, one is 12in. and the others are 14in.
Legs		Glue the Caps on the legs.
Install the Street Elbows on the legs but DO NOT GLUE.
I have 2 sets of legs, one is 12in. and the others are 14in.
Lay top frame on a flat surface. Place the glue on the street elbow and glue it to the top frame. Make sure it is square to the top frame. I used a carpenter square for this. Let set for a minute or so and then finish the other 3 leg in the same manor.
leg to frame		Lay top frame on a flat surface. Place the glue on the street elbow and glue it to the top frame. Make sure it is square to the top frame. I used a carpenter square for this. Let set for a minute or so and then finish the other 3 leg in the same manor.
This is what it will look like when complete. You can use the frame like it sets or on end if you need more hight. I have 2 sets of legs, a 12 in. and the 14 in.
The Frame		This is what it will look like when complete. You can use the frame like it sets or on end if you need more hight. I have 2 sets of legs, a 12 in. and the 14 in.
I added 3 sheet-metal screws to the top rail. I use a paper punch to punch the holes in my backdrops to hang them on. The backdrops are just heavy paper that cost 84 cents each at the hobby store. I have blue, gold, silver, white backdrops.
Blue backdrop		I added 3 sheet-metal screws to the top rail. I use a paper punch to punch the holes in my backdrops to hang them on. The backdrops are just heavy paper that cost 84 cents each at the hobby store. I have blue, gold, silver, white backdrops.
These are the lights I use, they are very cheap, the 2 small ones cost $4.78 each and the 2 larger ones were $9.00 each. I have 75 Watt spots in the large lights and the small one are 20 Watt.
Cheap Lights from Lowes		These are the lights I use, they are very cheap, the 2 small ones cost $4.78 each and the 2 larger ones were $9.00 each. I have 75 Watt spots in the large lights and the small one are 20 Watt.
I am using 50 or 75 watt light bulbs. The ones I have right now are J3 Long Neck-58 Tungsten Halogen CAPSYLITE PAR30 Long Neck Reflector Lamp Medium Base 75Watt 120Volt Wide Flood Beam. I got them at Lowe's also.
The bulbs		I am using 50 or 75 watt light bulbs. The ones I have right now are J3 Long Neck-58 Tungsten Halogen CAPSYLITE PAR30 Long Neck Reflector Lamp Medium Base 75Watt 120Volt Wide Flood Beam.
I got them at Lowe's also.
I have been using these bulbs as of late. They are much much cooler and the light is very good. I still set a custom White Balance (WB) with my Expo/Disc I got these at Home Depot they are N:Vision and have a color temp. of 3500k.
Other bulbs		I have been using these bulbs as of late. They are much much cooler and the light is very good. I still set a custom White Balance (WB) with my Expo/Disc
I got these at Home Depot they are N:Vision and have a color temp. of 3500k.
You can also pull the sheet over the front and cut a hole just for the lens. I have at times use a light on top, I have a plan desk light that I use for that. Watch the heat of the lights, they do get hot and you don't want them to come in contact with the sheet.
The Box in Use		You can also pull the sheet over the front and cut a hole just for the lens. I have at times use a light on top, I have a plan desk light that I use for that.

Watch the heat of the lights, they do get hot and you don't want them to come in contact with the sheet.
Sample image, Taken in light box with a blue equipment pad as a backdrop.
Olympus C-700		Sample image, Taken in light box with a blue equipment pad as a backdrop.
Sample image, taken in the light box with a blue paper backdrop. Lights more to the front of the light tent.
P9237430-01a.jpg		Sample image, taken in the light box with a blue paper backdrop. Lights more to the front of the light tent.
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P1300379a.jpg
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P1300380.JPG
Sample image, Using light box and one small light on the inside.
Glasses of color		Sample image, Using light box and one small light on the inside.
Sample, Taken with the light box.
Buttons Buttons Buttons		Sample, Taken with the light box.
Sample image, Taken in the light box with a silver backdrop.
Toys		Sample image, Taken in the light box with a silver backdrop.
Sample image, Taken with black form board on the bottom and one of the little lights in back with a red filter in front of it. I just used one small light on the left side of the boxe for the white light.
Glass cubes		Sample image, Taken with black form board on the bottom and one of the little lights in back with a red filter in front of it.
I just used one small light on the left side of the boxe for the white light.
Using a gray backdrop and the one light in front.
Coin		Using a gray backdrop and the one light in front.
Using a gray backdrop and two lights
Coin		Using a gray backdrop and two lights
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PC039115.JPG
Using a cloth for the backdrop and the small lights to give high-lites to the knife.
P9044734.JPG		Using a cloth for the backdrop and the small lights to give high-lites to the knife.
P2140308.JPG
P2140308.JPG
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P4203585-01a.jpg
This was taken in the light box with no lights on the outside of it. The lights I use were the small one and had them shinning directly on the rock.
The rock		This was taken in the light box with no lights on the outside of it. The lights I use were the small one and had them shinning directly on the rock.
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P3124407b.jpg
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P1260319c.jpg
P1294151a2.jpg
P1294151a2.jpg
PA140269a2.jpg
PA140269a2.jpg

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saint louis news 07-May-2020 09:43
Touche. Outѕtanding arguments. Keep upp the good work. https://www.stl.news/
Best Annabelle Dollhouse From Kidkraft for Little Ones25-Dec-2017 16:33
Really perfect light boxes!!!
SolarMill 10-May-2017 03:45
It's 2017 and this guide is just as useful as ever!
Jerry Young 02-Aug-2013 20:45
Wouldn't you want the width to be wider than 23" for purposes of photographing a long gun, e.g., Model 12 Winchester w/30" barrel?

Also, what kind of lenses would you recommend for a shot of the entire long gun, i.e., would you use a wide angle lense?
Gary Nordvall 31-Jan-2013 05:08
Bill - for the top frame, why didn't you use 4 side out elbows instead of the tees? You could have used one elbow at each corner (which would connect 2 sides of the top frame and a leg) instead of using a tee, a connector, and a 90 degree elbow at each corner. Simpler construction, and you would only use 4 parts instead of 12. Or am I missing something?
Inkyfingers 14-Jan-2013 01:47
I love my new light box. Thanks so much for sharing all of your photo ideas too. I did the black sheet on an anniversary gift we got from the kids and the photo turned out perfect. Besides my fingerprints or lint. I'll redo it!
Jason Hoeve 05-Jan-2013 20:07
I have seen your light box on a different sights around the inter web. Great box, I am getting ready to build mine now, thanks for the great info and wonderful pictures.
Mary Castorena @charmanddarling 03-Jan-2013 04:01
I had been looking for a sturdy, "collapsible", easy to DIY and inexpensive light box... your great tutorial gave me exactly what I was looking for! Hubby was able to put it together in about 10 minutes and for just $4! Just need fabric or sheet and my poster board backdrops and I'm all set! Appreciate it! Shared on Twitter!
Pam Brake08-Feb-2012 18:38
Thank you for these clear instructions and example photos, and for leaving them here. I've referred many to them over the years!
Guest 11-Dec-2011 23:11
I re-purposed a hamper I was given a couple years ago. It was a dumb hamper, being made of pvc and mesh, but a couple hacksaw cuts and a bit of creativity with some sheets, a few poster boards and some small clamp lights it is now a glorious lightbox! I didn't glue the fittings so it breaks down and snugly fits in an old tripod case I had. In fact, the whole setup fits comfortably in two cases, one for the poles, fittings and clamps, and one for the rest, lights and all!
Julie Klapkowski 09-Oct-2011 13:03
Bill: I had decided to make a light tent using PVC but was not sure about the design. Decided to do one more internet search on construction ideas when I found your website. I have made it but am having a problem understanding the lighting. I found the lights at Lowes, but they are designed to take 40 watt bulbs. Won't the larger flood light bulbs burn up the fixtures? This part is confusing me. Thanks.

Julie
Julie Klapkowski 09-Oct-2011 13:02
Bill: I had decided to make a light tent using PVC but was not sure about the design. Decided to do one more internet search on construction ideas when I found your website. I have made it but am having a problem understanding the lighting. I found the lights at Lowes, but they are designed to take 40 watt bulbs. Won't the larger flood light bulbs burn up the fixtures? This part is confusing me. Thanks.

Julie
amber 01-Oct-2011 12:40
Hi Bill
Really nice work, do u have any idea about using a 4 x 4 ft light box / tent for newborns? how would it go? and what would be the lighting set up?
Steve 24-Sep-2011 07:13
Greetings,
Loved the light box design but was concerned about stability, so made a couple changes. For fittings I used 4 ½” Side Outlet 90 degree elbows (slip x slip x FIPT) (Lasco Fittings 414-005) to construct a top frame similar to your top frame, using the slip ends of the elbows, and keeping the threaded ends pointing the same way. I build a second frame of identical dimensions using 4 - ½” Side Outlet 90 degree elbows (slip x slip x slip) (Lasco Fittings 413-005), again with the unused ends all pointing the same way. To construct the legs, I used 4 - Male Adapter Fitting - 1/2 inch MPT x 1/2 inch Slip (Lasco 436-005) on one end of each leg with no fitting on the other end. This now makes a light box that is pretty rigid, but can be stored in very little space. To set it up, I screw the legs into the unused female threads in the elbows of the top frame. Then gently place them in the unused slip fittings of the bottom frame. As long as I don’t push too hard on the unglued slip fittings, I can disassemble the frame very easily. You could use silicone spray on the ends of the legs to make assembly and disassembly easier (or Teflon tape on the threaded ends). When not in use, it hangs on a peg board and is only a couple inches deep. This also allowed me to make more than one set of legs to make the box a different height. BTW, I got the fittings at my local ACE hardware, so they are not that uncommon.
Guest 19-Sep-2011 21:56
I have a question. I would like to build a light box for stained glass mosaic art that I do. These need good back lighting in order for the full experience to come thru on the photograph. What would be the best lighting option and background material for this type of back lighting?

This information is so helpful and I am working on my box.
Bill Huber26-Jun-2011 19:07
Aurore, it would help if I could see the picture.
You can add a light on top and this will kill shadows or you can had two layers of the sheet to defuse the light more.
effildIncitle 11-Jun-2011 12:31
I find myself coming to your blog more and more often to the point where my visits are almost daily now!
David 20-May-2011 19:53
What a clever idea! Thanks for posting this! I will surely build my own light tent to take pictures of my LEGO creations!
G.E. 30-Mar-2011 18:10
Hi Bill: A GREAT POST! I have a couple of questions: How could i adapt this to provide a camera mount for taking top down photos of a small object like high end collectible coins.Also have you done anything with LED lights? I am trying to put together a mobile table top studio for taking coin photos. I want everything to fit in a 5" briefcase. I canget this all to work but the lights, that is why i am thinking about LEDs lights but cannot sem to find high quality photographic LEDs lightsw > Any suggestions?

PSfor taking pictures like coiins what size box would you recommend. I was thinking of a 12x 12 inch but not sure about the the height>

Thanks,

G.E.

PS: if responses could be sent to my email that would be great!!
Barbara Heide14-Mar-2011 08:30
great! thanks! v
Musrara10-Feb-2011 09:36
some of the product's descreption arn't so clear.
can you add a video or a some more descreptive snapshots?
PiJoly09-Feb-2011 21:04
Tres invantif WOW!
Musrara24-Jan-2011 08:28
looking good !!
PHILIP BODEN 18-Nov-2010 18:22
THANKYOU THIS HAS GIVEN ME SOME GREAT IDEAS FOR MY PROJECT, WILL BE LOOKING AT THIS SITE AGAIN.
John M Haigh 31-Oct-2010 19:54
Cheers, Great simple answere for a great light tent. John Lagos Portugal.
Ken 04-Sep-2010 12:53
Great idea, thanks.
I have a suggestion to improve stability without glueing. Lose the feet and replace with Tee pieces. You still get nice flat squared off feet, but you can add a low cross brace between the short sides. This also allows you use small extensions to lengthen the legs, rather than keeping different sets of legs. Ken
Becky 01-Sep-2010 12:08
Thank you, thank you for the best ideas I have seen. My sister and I make jewelry for a hobby and have no money left for extra supplies. This is perfect, thank you again.
Becky
JT 28-Jul-2010 14:44
I made one of these last night and it was really simple, thanks to the great instructions here. The only problem that I had was the background paper. I used poster board and bought the largest sheet that the hobby store carried. It was still not large enough to cover the entire "floor" of the box. I am going to have to pick up some fabric and cut to size.
KF 14-Jul-2010 02:35
Thanks! This has given me inspiration to make one with things lying around the house. :)
Ashley Hockenberry12-Jun-2010 01:54
A+ Great idea!
Guest 07-Jun-2010 21:57
For missygoose, are you taking these pictures freehand or using a tripod? A tripod can be an inexpensive purchase but a very important one in order to get clear shots.
missygoose 15-May-2010 14:42
Hi Joanne, thanks for your info! I see you have an Etsy shop. I am opening one too and that's why I need to take the photos. I built the lightbox but had to use the tools at my disposal. I used three gooseneck desk lamps, 2 with 100-wt regular bulbs and one with a 40-wt. The problem is my camera, it's more of a tourist camera, not professional. I took pictures last night and a couple came out okay but for the most part blurry. I am going to use Photoshop Elements to try to get as much detail as I can out of them. I think the only sensible thing to do though is buy a professional camera. Today I am going to try to use different bulbs to see if I get a better result.
missygoose 15-May-2010 13:44
Hi Joanne, thanks for your info! I see you have an Etsy shop. I am opening one too and that's why I need to take the photos. I built the lightbox but had to use the tools at my disposal. I used three gooseneck desk lamps, 2 with 100-wt regular bulbs and one with a 40-wt. The problem is my camera, it's more of a tourist camera, not professional. I took pictures last night and a couple came out okay but for the most part blurry. I am going to use Photoshop Elements to try to get as much detail as I can out of them. I think the only sensible thing to do though is buy a professional camera. Today I am going to try to use different bulbs to see if I get a better result.
Joanne 14-May-2010 00:11
For missygoose: I'm not a photographer either but I found that my pictures turn out better when I use the Macros setting. That is the best thing for up-close shots. My camera also has a feature where you click halfway down once and that adjusts the focus so that it is not blurry, then you click down fully the second time and it takes the picture. I'm still learning, that's why I came to this site, to get info on a light box so that I can do even better. Take a look at your manual to see how to use the macros setting. Hope this helps you. Kind regards, Joanne www.lechapeau.etsy.com www.lechapeau.ca
missygoose 11-May-2010 19:42
Stupid question because I'm not a photographer at all, but wondering if someone could recommend a decent $150-200 camera to use with this? I've made the lightbox but my two cameras (Aiptek IS-DV 5mgp and an SVP XThinn 12mgp) don't seem to be doing the job well. Lots of blur and none of the close-up detail on small items. Thanks!
Diane 28-Apr-2010 15:41
My husband had it together in no time at all...thank you! :)
Rob L 23-Mar-2010 02:57
I've been trying to figure out a cheap way to take professional product photos, and then I found this article. I bought the parts today and will build the tent tonight. Thanks for the low-cost solution for a beginner! eBay here we come!
kajero13-Mar-2010 22:16
Thanks for sharing these instructions. The light tent is awesome. I took a photo of a collector plate to sell on eBay and the photo came out great The plate sold :-) I'm now trying all kinds of different things.
Randal Leau 07-Feb-2010 14:09
Thanks for your sharing
- save money, save storage place
- great ideal
bobby 01-Feb-2010 06:42
Great info ,Thank you
John 27-Jan-2010 21:57
Great ideas, I'm going with the materials & dimensions that you've listed!
tiptop 23-Jan-2010 02:10
THANK YOU. I got some great ideas to help me out!
S.U. 08-Jan-2010 23:29
Thanks so much for this tutorial. It's very helpful.
Janine 05-Jan-2010 14:35
Bill,
There used to be a link on your site that a friend made with dealing with exposures and the light box. Is this still available?
Shane 28-Dec-2009 18:37
Another cheap and super easy box is:
A translucent rubbermaid storage box.
Cut a hole in one side, add the lights and your done :)
you can skuff the inside with some 120 grit sandpaper to get more diffusion if needed.
Guest 25-Nov-2009 22:21
Thanks - simple and cheap - just my style
Shirley05-Nov-2009 21:38
Sooooo simple. It took me an hour - including finding the tools in our garage and tidying up. I have plans for some fishing wire for invisible hanging for my jewellery :) Thank you Bill X
Ishrath 19-Oct-2009 08:29
Truly helpful for an amateur like me.
www.wanderingmist.com
Hayden 17-Oct-2009 07:53
Thank you so much for this guide. I'm really interested in helping my girlfriend take better eBay photos and this is just the thing I need on my budget. Can't wait to get started and build one of these. I really hope my girlfriend likes it :-).

Greets from Adelaide, Australia.

Hayden
Leonel Da Silva 07-Oct-2009 15:28
Thanks so much BILL for the great idea.NOW i can take photos and post them.Will let you know how it goes.Regards from Leonel Da Silva Cape Town South Africa.
Dan 04-Sep-2009 21:02
Thanks, Bill !! I just completed my box. This really turned out nice.
Some of the stuff I had (Screws, tools and sheet) so the TOTAL cost came in under
$25.00. I got the lights at a garage sale for $1.00 each !!
Thanks a lot !! Dan
Jim 19-Aug-2009 02:11
Thank you Bill, your idea of a sheet as a diffuser and the poster board as an endless background are fantastic. I just built mine from scrap wood, glue, a sheet, a spring clip, the poster board from walgreens for 99 cents, two clip on light reflectors from lowes 6$ each (I made light stands from scrap wood as well) A couple of lightbulbs from around the house and I'm taking beautiful photographs. Thanks again and from all the posts I read you have earned a lot of karma with your generosity.
Amy 09-Aug-2009 00:39
I just have to take a minute to thank you for your generosity! It must have taken a lot of time & effort for you to do this, so I hope you know your information has gone to good use to many people all over the place! Many thanks from Dallas, Texas!!!
Don 01-Aug-2009 03:55
Thanks for the great idea. I have a large number of minerals to shoot, and with some crystal clusters lighting can be a problem. Your light box is just what I need
Guest 01-Jul-2009 09:25
Thank you very much for your creative idea.
Guest 28-Jun-2009 05:45
Thanks for this tutorial, i made a large scale box 6'x5'x4' to shoot portraits in and the results were wonderful! thanks again
kate 24-Jun-2009 03:57
great idea! thank you for sharing it. It's very flexible, too, since one can upsize or downsize as needed.
Guest 17-Jun-2009 02:11
Thank you so much!
Guest 17-Jun-2009 02:07
Genius! This is great Bill...thanks for leaving this up here so I could find it. I was about to buy a lightbox and in my google search came across your tutorial here. Probably saved a few bucks over buying one...but better yet it was fun to build!
J. D. Morden 05-Jun-2009 19:22
This is an awesome tutorial. I’ve just been fiddling around with a light box derived from your tutorial; although I need an extra lamp to finish the basic box, even with just one light, test photos demonstrate that there’s great promise for excellent photos once I have the other lamp. THANK YOU.
Guest 30-Apr-2009 01:01
Just thought I would add a quick note, I love this setup, I use something almost identical but I found that depending on the item size that I need to photograph sometimes it helps to have a bigger or small light tent. So to over come this I didn't glue anything, instead I use a round of masking tape to tighten the fit. Now I can change the dimensions to fit the need, I have pipes cut for 1', 3' and 5' and then just mix and match as needed. I should also mention that I add a second frame to the bottom of the tent when working with the 5' sections just to keep it sturdy and prevent the legs from sliding out since I didn't use glue.
Dawn McKenzie-Wykes05-Apr-2009 09:34
Thank you Bill for your instructions and info.. Im hoping my husband will make a light tent for me soon. I used a friends in the weekend, and it looked similar to this..maybe she got the idea from you.. thank you again.
Guest 30-Mar-2009 19:22
Very nice! I've been sitting on the link to this for a while, finally had time to take a good look today and am impressed. I'll need one a little bigger, but easy to figure that out. Off to the hardware store for PVC and then to 2nd hand store for a white sheet and some fabrics for the tent and backdrops.
Guest 30-Mar-2009 11:32
Thanks for taking the time to make this tutorial! The flash tut was very nicely done- great job to whoever did that! And the lighting setup examples were very helpful. I think there is a great demand for examples of lighting for projects like this- the more examples (like the glass cubes w/red filter light) you can provide, the better! Thanks for creating this- will def add a link to my blog when time comes to post about this process!
Guest 29-Mar-2009 21:12
Great tutorial.... I was particularly interested in the different lighting set ups!!very helpful,,,,,,
Lindab
Guest 25-Mar-2009 09:56
Thank you so much for this idea. Works brilliantly. Just had to find a thinner sheet to stop the yellow tinge. Patricia U.K.
Char 24-Mar-2009 23:08
Just finished making the box. Not sure what kind of paper to use for a backdrop. Is it just posterboard? This doesn't seem to be long enough to create a back and bottom. Do you tape 2 pieces together? Would the seams show? Hope I'm not being too anal. Just want to try this out soon.
Thanks for great instructions!
char charweave@roadrunner.com
RJ 09-Mar-2009 12:37
Thank you Bill, it's amazing what kind of help you can find with a little research. People like you are greatly appreciated. I just started making jewelry and my husband sells hot rod car parts, this will help a lot with our sales. I can't wait to show him this, his photos suck right now... *_*
Erica D 02-Mar-2009 04:31
I was about to buy to a tent for about $50+. I think this is so easy to do. THANK YOU SO MUCH! I need to take picture of gift baskets I make to post on my webpage and this will work.
Steve Perrault 27-Feb-2009 06:16
I was getting ready to hit the buy button on a $500 light tent when I found this via a link on DPreview. Guess what I'll be building this weekend! I'll use the $450 I saved on another lens. Thanks, Bill!
Guest 19-Feb-2009 08:55
Roger

Great insructions, worked like a dream from cut down legs of an old gazebo! Havent quite got the lights right at the moment but working on it. THANKS
Lesley 14-Feb-2009 22:20
In the past I have paid for professional photographers to catalogue my pottery. Thank you Bill for sharing, my husband is not Mr. Fixit he did a fantastic job with your clear assembly instructions. Your table top studio is so inexpensive & easy to assemble, about $35.00CAN. I am just in the process of photographing new work to post on my web site. We have tried different light combinations, are still learning but pictures are great. We used professional photography background paper.
Karen 14-Feb-2009 08:33
These instructions look marvelous. Thank you for the fine work
kokkozik 04-Jan-2009 14:22
Thanks a lot for this instructions, especially for info about lights (bulbs)
Glenn Dean (Vatorman)31-Dec-2008 22:12
Your instructions came recommended – thank you. Seems I'l will have something to build/do this cold winter.
Robert Heer 20-Dec-2008 18:33
It is nice to have people like yourself that will take the time to offer step by step instructions without expecting anything for it except maybe a Thank You..

THANK YOU THANK YOU...
Rick MacHale 14-Dec-2008 22:12
I've been trying to figure out how to help my wife's custom weaving business by taking quality photographs of her work. Now I know where to start. Thanks alot. Rick
Guest 06-Dec-2008 18:22
I've just been inspired in a big way. I can't thank you enough Bill. The possibilities are are only limited by our imaginations. Your work has given me more of a sense of that, and it's exciting
Bill Huber12-Nov-2008 07:48
The only problem that Guest had was they needed to set the White Ballance on the camera.
Guest 11-Nov-2008 18:56
Hi Guest,

You are right to use no flash for your photography. It may be the light bulbs you are using that are giving the yellowish cast. I use plain old light bulbs - not CFLS or halogens or LEDs. They can't be "soft white" either. If that doesn't solve the problem, than try using some photo editing software. Picasa is one you can download from Google for free, and it works great. You can see my results here: www.sophisticatedladyjewelry.com

Another thought: you may need to adjust the exposure on your camera. Play with the "exposure" or "white balance" settings and see what happens.
Guest 27-Oct-2008 15:30
Seriously struggling here with this. Built one maybe 5-6 months ago, and we cannot seem to get the lighting right... all the pictures we take (without flash, right???) are YELLOW & people cannot see the true color of my husband's artwork (he's a glassblower).

Can someone e-mail me with some tips? THANKS!!!!! We're currently using a larger, taller lightbox, as he needed to be able to put taller pieces in it to photograph for customers. We have 11 lights now -- with 100 watt compact fluorescents in them, and they STILL look yellow & are not a true reflection of the piece's color.

What are we doing wrong?!??! ANY IDEAS?!?!?!? E-mail us at scott@infinityartglass.com

THANKS!


Guest 25-Sep-2008 00:29
This is my version of the light tent. All tubing is glued except the cross members. The idea to glue is to add strenth and stability. By not gluing the crossmembers,I can semi disassemble it for easier storage or transportation. Next, I'll fit and sew my material which will be tailored to fit over the frame. Gave it a trial run and I'll have to work on the lighting. But heh this has been a blast. Full stars to the originator and him sharing the idea with ushttp://www.pbase.com/tang00/inbox
monica memoli23-Sep-2008 08:38
Thank you soooooooooooo much!!!!!!!!!! I did it!
But someone else is enjoying it instead of me!
http://www.pbase.com/image/103535651
Dave from Philly 16-Sep-2008 19:36
This did the trick perfectly! I shoot a lot of items as an amateur photographer, and I was looking for a great and flexible solution. This was it! I did not permanently join the legs because I like being able to fold it up and put it away -- I also like the flexibility of changing the height of the parts, so I cut some extra lengths to fit. Thank you for such a great project!
Lee-Ann 13-Sep-2008 18:50
Thank you so much for this! My husband builds custom and handmade guitars, and we needed a way to photograph the guitars that 1) eliminates glare off of the metal parts and 2) eliminates background stuff. We have tried several different ways, but a slight modification to make this light tent big enough gave us the perfect solution!
Roger Foley 12-Sep-2008 18:22
Bill
Thanks very much for a useful, easy to build and functional Light Box. I just purchased all of the material at Lowes here in FL and the total came to $17.83.
I purchased an additional 5' length of CPVC and was able to make an additional 22" set of legs.
In your instructions you mention not to glue the legs but not why. It does become obvious for 2 reasons: 1) So you can easily change the light box height and 2) so you can easily remove the legs for storage when not in use.
Again my sincerest thanks.
Roger
Cuso 07-Sep-2008 04:05
This is freaking awesome!! I just bought all the PVC and IM in the gluing process..Got me some flat twin sheets at Walmart for $3 a piece. They come in various colors and beats getting some cloth by the yard...
Lino 05-Sep-2008 11:22
Thanks!!! We appreciate your help ....
Brett - Tallahassee, FL 13-Aug-2008 20:43
Some of you may prefer to use a pvc cutting tool instead of a saw and sandpaper.

They're only about $10 at Lowes and $13 at Home Depot.

I've found that they require very little effort and almost no clean up.
Jason 13-Aug-2008 02:22
I'm glad I googled "how to make a custom light cube" and came across your tutorial. I ran out the next day to build my Light box/light tent. Saved me a lot of money and easy to follow instructions. I opt out to use 3/4" PVC, made my height and depth 2" more in length. For the light issues, I bought (2) 8-1/2" silver can hoods w/ clips and (2) Eco Spiral Daylight 200watt bulbs (cool temp. of 6000k). Set my camera AWB to 6000k and VOILA!!! Glad to also see this article getting hits. Thanks Bill.
Manshow17-Jun-2008 18:52
I had a link to a little tutuorial I made below, but the link has changed. Here is the new one. Hope it helps someone!

http://www.ignitecast.com/p/BpHT5mWNVq/
Mike 15-Jun-2008 22:51
I need a box big enough to put a Rifle up to 40" in to photograph, down to a small part that is only 1 x 1 inch. is that possible?
amateur 10-Jun-2008 06:42
I have a Canon 40D with macro lens and a light tent with suitable lighting - when taking product shots (jewellery) do I have to darken the room and cover the eye-piece?
sammolama 23-May-2008 01:03
awesome! i was sitting here wondering if it was possible to make a successful lightbox to photograph my jewelry so i searched and this is the first tutorial i found. im going to keep looking around just to get an idea of variations i can do, but this is great and has helped a lot!!!
Douglas 05-May-2008 16:45
Bill,
Thanks for the plans on the light tent, actually got it off Kevin's site, so thanks to him too.
Longest put of the job was driving to Home depot
monica memoli08-Apr-2008 23:04
Love the idea! Perfect project. I'll try. Thanks a lot. big vote
mrkgoo 30-Mar-2008 23:51
Great idea!
I've had two attempts to make something like this, but without tools. My second go used PVC piping from a 3-tier laundry sorting hamper set, and wrapping tissue in place of the sheet. Works a treat!
Guest 25-Mar-2008 13:12
Hi Bill,

Thanks for the instructions. I used the daylight cf lights from Home Depot and they worked perfectly. Every shot is right around 5500k even before I adjudt the white balance. http://www.pbase.com/mharvey55/macro
Jon Androwski14-Mar-2008 03:41
Thanks for sharing this project Bill,I've been doing most of my work outdoors,using the sunlight. It was a breeze to to put together,all I need is to get the paper,sheet, and lamps. Might I suggest to those out there, to try a thrift store for the lamps. I went to Home Depot(not Lowes yet),and they had nothing but 20-30 dollar lamps,and mostly Halogen type.

Jon
gewoodfo 25-Feb-2008 21:32
Hi Bill: Great idea!! Will probably doit next weekend using PVC as a test run. what material would you recommend using if you wanted something that was more professional looking? I am going to be taking this into clients home and taking photos of coins and jewelry>
Allen Pritchard 23-Feb-2008 16:14
I have just built my light box. Thanks for sharing the info on the WWW. If I could post a comment on the street elbow joints and a solution if they cannot be sourced in your country. In the UK I had trouble sourcing the Street Elbow Joints.
I purchased the T joints and CB4 overflow pipe joints. These are at 90 degree angles with both ends the same diameter. When I got home I thought oh no, this is not going to work as the legs cannot be set because of the joints not being a male and female fit.

To get around this problem, from the left over pipe saw 4 pieces of pipe at 1" and insert these into the end of the T joints that receives the leg strut, this leaves 1/2" sticking out of the end of the T joint allowing this to go into the bend in the CB4 overflow joint. Problem solved and works a treat.

Allen
Brekkon 10-Feb-2008 02:21
Thanks so much for your designs, Bill! Would it be possible to adapt this design and make a light tent to photograph fashion (on a dummy)? Basically extend the length and width? How could I go about making a backdrop big enough?
Brekkon - AUSTRALIA
Jen 06-Feb-2008 04:43
I recently purchased a Cameron Light Tent - I set it up using two 250W lights one on each side. I placed my object on the white background and the white is on the gray side - the camera is set at 5200K and I have tried different aperture with no success - any ideas? Your help is greatly appreciated.
Janine 04-Feb-2008 15:59
Thanks for your light box plans. I am a beginner at shooting stills and this has helped me tremendously! There is a website called Brand Envy that has amazing shots..i was wondering you if could take a look at it and let me know if its shot a special way ligthing, lens etc.? Thanks!!
Guest 28-Jan-2008 19:46
Thanks for your light box plans! It inspired me to cobble one together. Being thrifty I made mine from scrap material, some pine 1”x 2”.

I made front and rear frames, each 24” by 18”. Each half has a pivoting arm; they swing out to 90 degrees and have a series of holed drilled in them. The holes slip over a bolt on the top of the other frame. That way the depth of the box can be varied and when not in use the frames can be easily folded and stored.



Three large spring type paper clips are screwed into the top rail of the rear frame to hold the backdrops.

Thanks Again!
Roxanne 20-Jan-2008 22:37
God Bless You & Yours !!!! Thank you for sharing your blueprint & easy to follow tutorial (which is wonderful), on how to build a light box. You not only saved me a lot of money - but also, the stress from trying to figure out the best ways to photograph jewelry, etc. Good things come to those who share !!!!!
Bill Taylor10-Jan-2008 17:35
Thanks for all your help. You saved me a bunch of money. I'm going to make one..
David 09-Jan-2008 17:21
Thanks, I was about to buy a light box to take pitchers of the jewelry my wife makes to sell.
Thay sell for about $50
You saved me a lot of money!
mike tuomey 30-Dec-2007 17:16
ditto - great idea and thanks for sharing it. built mine this morning. used a mitre boz to do the tube cutting which helps keep them even. all cost less than US$12. next time i'm at the hardware i'm going to pick up some more tube to make up a set 20-24 inch legs, per your 2 sets of legs idea. best, mike
Jim 28-Dec-2007 16:24
This project was a great idea and the instructions were super. I build mine yesterday in less than an hour at a cost of $19.00 CDN. Thanks for sharing it!!!!!!
Guest 24-Dec-2007 00:37
I have just spent the last couple of days building my own using a clothes airer as a frame and also a bed sheet. I have just found your site, it is good for you to be speading the word. THe idea of using tubing is a good one. I have put mine together the lamps on the inside so the light comes from reflection so less is lost (you need to be careful with the heat of course but it has vents).
kellie 22-Dec-2007 23:41
This is wonderful. I made 2 for Christmas gifts: one for someone to use for small stills, much like the ones shown here, and one for my son who will use it as a stage for stop motion animation. The only change I made was to use copper end tabs - they look cool and have a bit more weight. Thanks for the detailed directions.
Steve Martin 12-Dec-2007 16:05
Sweet
Manshow05-Dec-2007 02:59
I built this project and it works great! I also made a short tutorial that may help others. I found your project on another website, so the credit is a bit off, but you are credited at the other site anyway. Here it is. Enjoy!

http://www.ignitecast.com/switchboard.seam?linktype=show_ignitable&ign_value=f9Dwt0c1zd0%3D&runmode=1.
Sherman Lee 28-Nov-2007 09:45
Thanks for the great idea!
Being lazy I wondered if there would be anything that could be used as a ready made frame.
I found Ikea's "Antonius" laundry bag stand for $6.99 was just a rectangular frame of right dimensions and proportions. Just lie it on its side, drape the bedsheet over it, put the background in and its ready to go. www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10103804
Jerry Buote 26-Nov-2007 15:12
Thanks a bunch.
I've passed this on to many people.
Just thought that I would add a note about the color temperature problem with lights. I just don't worry about it. My camera doesn't have a white balance compensation, but all my wife's crafts have a pure white portion somewhere. I just use Paint Shop Pro X's "color balance" control and click on a white point. 98% of the time my color is then spot on. I've also used a black, gray, white color sample panel from the Home Depot paint dept. I put this in the photo setup just out of where I will crop the picture. I use it with "color balance" in PSPx and then just crop it out afterwards. Paint Shop Pro (now up to v12)costs about $50 on line, at Corel.com.
My other photo packages all have a similar tool.
Pro's have used a "photo gray card" for years for this same reason. If you get white or gray, or black right-on the other colors follow.
tahoe 23-Nov-2007 19:38
Ditto to Christine's comment. This is one of the best setup I have seen online, and I have looked at a more than a few.
Carrie 22-Nov-2007 13:19
Beautiful job! I have trouble with lighting and only hope to recreate results as fine as yours. My favorite are the colored wine glasses. Good job! I always love to hear a success story of someone using the homemade stuff as opposed to the expensive alternative!
Christine Cox 21-Nov-2007 20:50
I was doing research on the Internet to buy a light tent when I stumbled across your site. Your instructions are so clear and the photos so good that I've changed my mind and am now going to make my own light tent like yours. Thank you for saving me over $300!
Diane 20-Nov-2007 17:35
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I recently joined a toy photography group on Flickr, and lighting has been my biggest hassle so far. I was going to go out and purchase a lightbox, but this is a much better (and more fun) solution, I think.
Jerry Sorensen 20-Nov-2007 06:43
I JUST WENT OUT AND GOT A LIGHT BOX FOR A $100.00 @ KITS CAMERA, THEN I GO ON THE INTERNET
AND COME ACROSS YOUR WEB PAGE. COLOR ME RED.
jezz 18-Nov-2007 20:16
If you live in the UK MAPLIN sell a great light tent for only £9.99
Jim D. 18-Nov-2007 19:10
Thank you so much. Being a 1/24 die-cast collector I think one of the most fun parts of the hobby is taking pictures of the collection. Your tutorial will be most helpfull I'm sure. I have to get back to my reading now. Thanks again.
Guest 16-Nov-2007 20:07
So generous of you to share this! Thanks! Jan
kelsey 12-Nov-2007 16:22
Thanks so much! I've been selling items online for years now and my one failing was poor picture quality! I just sent my hubby to the store to buy all the pieces to put one together today! Good thing I didn't spend 50 bux on the walmart version!
Tom 02-Nov-2007 19:00
Hi, Thanks for the great light box plans! Mine came out fine using your specifications. However, I have a few possible twists. Instead of punching holes & mounting screws for the background sweeps, I mounted a long strip of 1/2 inch sticky-back velcro (fuzzy side) along the full length of the upper-back horizontal PVC section ..not on top of the pipe, but on the vertical face of it. I then mounted two 1 & 1/2 inch velcro strips (tiny hooks) vertically, & about 12 inches apart to the top of each of my colored background sweeps. It costs a few dollars more, but it was quicker & offers a litte more flexibility as the sweeps can be nominally adjusted/tweaked. I also picked up 2 yards of sheer white garment liner fabric for $2.50 from the craft store, & hemmed it using heat & bond tape with a hot iron. Finally I picked up two quartz halogen 250 Watt work lamps from H.D. for $4 each (a regular item that is often out of stock.) I plan on buying a sheet of Roscoe color correction gel online for about $5 to balance the lights to 5,600 Kelvin, daytime color temperature. Lots of light means more depth of field, but careful about the heat. I plug everything into an ac strip with a breaker to quickly turn them off between uses. What fun! Thanks again!!
Cheryl 31-Oct-2007 23:12
Thanks for sharing this terrific design. I live in Mexico. And well, here, one needs to learn to improvise.
Steve 27-Oct-2007 04:49
Very informative and helpful. Yours is the first site I looked at for suggestions on a DYI light box and I feel no need to look further. I'm a low-level beginner at photography with a formal background in electronics and electromechanical maitenance and repair, and had the right idea but needed an experienced, no-nonsense confirmation as to the type of materials to use. Also, I've used the mini flourescents in other lighting applications but wasn't sure if they would be adequate for photo lighting. Thanks for sharing with us.
Guest 16-Oct-2007 22:40
Thanks you. This seems like a great alternative to spending a lot of cash.
Tim O'Donoghue23-Sep-2007 02:04
I used these plans as a starting point for a light tent. The results are good
[http://timster.net/cameras ], but I think I need a stronger light
Alan 19-Sep-2007 00:25
Stumbled across your sight looking for a light box to buy. Found your detailed instructions, and since I work at a plumbing supply store decided to give it a try. Works really well. Purchased (2) 6500k light bulbs (daylight) from Lowes, and set my white balance of my Nikon D-80 to 6700k. Pictures look perfect. Better than the card board light box I built last night which is now in the trash. Thanks again!!!
Les 16-Sep-2007 22:12
Hi Bill,

Thank you very much for posting this on the web. I was just about to press the "buy" button on Ebay when I noticed your post on the "light tent". I built it within an hour and started taking pictures last night. I still need to get better lights though but some of the pictures had come out very nicely. On the other hand, the sharpness of the pictures left something to be desired. Most of the objects are sharp in the middle but not on the side.
Do I need a macro lens to get better result or am I doing something wrong? I have a D70 with an 18-70 lens and I'm definitely not an expert photographer.

Thanks for the help.

Les
Wade Philley 16-Sep-2007 14:34
This worked great. Thanks for the information. I did replace the three screws with two large binder clips. Those spingy things you clamp loose leaf documents.
Bill Huber 29-Aug-2007 21:57
The Pen and the coin trick......

The coin has some modeling clay behind it, not a lot just a little to keep it from moving.

The pen is really easy, if you look right at the tip of the pen you will see a little bit of blue. That blue is the paper the popped up when I pushed the wire though. There is a block of shipping foam under the paper with part of a paper clip in it and it is though the paper, the filler is out of the pen.
James 29-Aug-2007 05:52
Great project, I plan to build one tomorrow. I have a related question about how you stand up some of your items. How did you hold up the pen and the coins that you shot for P9237430-01a.jpg and PC039115.JPG for example?
Guest 13-Aug-2007 17:17
Thanks. Easy to build. Works purrfectly!
Ron, California
Guest 08-Aug-2007 14:38
I made my own with a few changes. You can find more info about it with pictures here:

http://www.danielgibbons.net/diy/?p=4
Sam 31-Jul-2007 01:08
Hi everyone,
I would need such a light box big enough to take pictures of bicycle wheels (28 inch diameter).
What dimensions do you recommend I build my light box?
My question basically is how much room do we need around the product inside the box?
Thanks!
Jestep 30-Jul-2007 13:27
For anyone getting a yellowish or orange hue to your photos, you probably need a better set of lights.

Look for high-wattage bulbs in the 6,000K color temperature range. Lower temperature bulbs (under 4,500K) are going to be towards the red end of the visible spectrum, while high temperature bulbs (over 7,500K) are going to appear more blue. Good aquarium and indoor gardening supply companies should have bulbs in the 6,000 - 7,000K spectrum which will be completely white and very similar to natural sunlight. Compact fluorescent bulbs in the 4,000 K range will be acceptable, but normal incandescent bulbs no matter how high of wattage will probably be too red to use without compensating for the extra red later on.
Kat 24-Jul-2007 00:18
The best explanation and example I've seen. Simple to understand and utilize. Thank you for sharing such valuable information.
Steve S 20-Jul-2007 21:15
GREAT ! Very helpful. Perfection !!!!!
Leah 17-Jul-2007 15:53
Jewelry "photo boxes" can cost a price of $700.00 if you shop online! This has saved me hundreds and the instructions are so detailed and simple! You have made it possible for me to sell my jewelry peices without going in debt just to take the photos! Thanks a million!
Billy Spencer 04-Jul-2007 05:36
Tried it, Love it. THANK YOU!!!!
Robin Smithf 30-Jun-2007 17:33
This is a terrific resource. Thank you so much.
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