DIY Soft Box for Under $10 | Build A Dollar Store Soft Box

In this video, I teach you how to build a soft box all with materials from the dollar store.
If you're looking to perfect your photography or aren't happy with your video lighting, a soft box might be the solution to your problem.
Take a look at my earliest videos. You can definitely tell I needed soft boxes to get rid of those harsh shadows.
Sometimes photography equipment can cost a pretty penny. The great thing about this DIY soft box, is it's really cheap to build! You can literally buy everything you need from your local dollar store for next to nothing.
Here is a list of everything you need:
Measuring tape
Scissors
Knife
Pen
Duct Tape
Glue Stick
Glue Gun
Glue
Card board
Tin foil
*Cheese
White Shower Curtain
Velcro tape
Binder Clips
*Cheese optional
Buy the same lights I use ►amzn.to/3i2rIsc

[@Ourhomeschooladventures]

We would love to see more diy photography/video ideas like this one!

[@lifefixx]

Thank you. I'll be making more videos soon. Stay tuned.

[@ninjacuberdk1466]

Actual price is closer to $60 with lights. For anyone who does not already have two LED lights like this, these days you can get a whole two light set with tripods, lights, and even bulbs for under $50. The video is definitely inspiring though. Makes a person re-evaluate things and see if they can work with what they already have, creatively. I like that aspect.

[@lifefixx]

Some people like to be creative. Some people like to make exactly what they want. Some people would rather just spend their money. Everyone's different. Thanks for the comment

[@ninjacuberdk1466]

@@lifefixx I read my comment again. I should have started with the compliment. It looks kind of rude and I’m sorry for that. It is a cool video and your project looks really well done and clearly very thoughtful.

[@RAndrewNeal]

Well, the title _does_ say $10 soft box, not $10 light kit. So it isn't dishonest.

[@funnyassvidsboy]

Good job man. Very solid design!

[@JohnsJunk]

Well done. The boxes and the video. I like how you left the mistake and redo in the vid. One thing I personally would prefer as a consumer of content though is voice-over instead of subtitles. You still got the point across though.

[@lifefixx]

Thanks for the constructive criticism. I will do a voice over next time :)

[@aphr0d]

@@lifefixx please do both! thanks for the great content

[@kaitlinmontgomery8166]

Please keep subtitles. Not everyone can hear

[@JohnsJunk]

@@kaitlinmontgomery8166 I misspeak then. No disrespect meant. Voice over along with subtitles would be ideal.

[@CryBabyHoe]

Thank you so much for this! I have two light that are just like this and I cut out a piece of paper to diffuse the lights but I didn't even think of doing this. I'm going to get the stuff and do this tomorrow.

[@lifefixx]

Juliette Poole glad I could help out. Word of advice. Don't make them too heavy. It adds a lot of weight.

[@uniworkhorse]

Man, that's a professional looking box, good planning and touches!

[@lifefixx]

Thanks. I appreciate the feed back!

[@whatwhat7798]

My duuude!!! Thank you for this 🥰🥰

[@lalisasmr]

You made this look so easy. I just tried to make a box and it all went to hell when it came time to gluing the panels together. It looked like a gang of kindergarten kids broke into my house to do arts and crafts. Glue everywhere. I ended up having to throw my first attempt out 😅🤣 Take 2 tomorrow

[@lifefixx]

lol. Well...... Sorry to hear! Some precision gluing is definitely required. That's why I put duct tape around to edges to hide the mess. Hope it works out!

[@theinsignia2566]

You are very productive man . U really deserve more subs and likes

[@Vandan9166]

LOL The cheese is the most important item. thanks for the video.

[@jasondanner6630]

Great video! I laughed more than once out loud, which I wasn't expecting on a DYI video 😄

[@lifefixx]

jason danner thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

[@edwardofrias8220]

DUDE!! Like a boss!!! Thank you!!

[@FunFitandWell]

this is awesome dude!! :) Thank you!!

[@HarvilleMakes]

yoooo this is awesome! Good stuff my guy!

[@techwords4u65]

Thank you! This video made my day. This is exactly what I was looking for.

[@lifefixx]

Thanks! I'm glad I could be of service

[@That.little.chef.]

Love this idea, it looks so clean and polished

[@lifefixx]

Thanks!

[@alebassmusic]

Nice!! I'm having trouble with cast shadows on my videos and I think this could be the solution. Thanks!

[@lifefixx]

Yes that would be your problem. Took me a while to figure that out also.

[@persephonemartinez5893]

So helpful thank you ♥️

[@PeterButlerBroker]

Brilliant! :) Thank you for this great 'how-to'

[@lifefixx]

Thanks so much for your feed back!

[@LoveLeeVibez_]

How do you only have 250 subscribers 😫 that was amazing!

[@lifefixx]

preaching to the choir ;)

[@PlayNowWorkLater]

Have been needing to make some of these. Love dollar store projects. Great tutorial. Thanks

[@ActuallyArmaniProductions]

Best I've seen!

[@mandography]

Thx a lot dude! You saved me couple hundred bucks! Mine came out badass. Now to prototype this but with top of the line material lol

[@lifefixx]

Glad I could help! Glad to hear yours worked out well

[@AlexGower]

That was great thanks for sharing.

[@gabbyeebzie4103]

This is so well Made!

[@vallejopnw]

Subbed, liked and comment. Wish I could do more man. Seriously, saved me a ton.

[@lifefixx]

Thanks man. The small amount of money and time I invested into making this video has helped out so many people such as yourself. You've already repaid me with more than I could ask for. Thanks for watching!

[@TeePhlowGH]

Woooow !!! Wooow !! Just woow!! Am heading to the dollar store right now !!

[@LostWon]

Thank you for this! You are an incredible human being.

[@lifefixx]

You are so welcome!

[@zanecowling2120]

Brilliant!

[@TrystanPetrash]

Hey Lifefixx. I just recently started a KZbin channel and needed some help with lighting on a budget. Then I came across this video and you seriously saved me a ton of money. This is such a great idea and easy enough to do. Love the content will definitely be subscribing 👊

[@lifefixx]

Glad I could help!

[@TrystanPetrash]

@@lifefixx 😁

[@SaWilliam]

You’re the man ! I love it

[@lifefixx]

Thanks!

[@Talkherbal]

Tysm ! Very helpful!!

[@samartography]

Bro this madness! Well done

[@BrisketMedic]

Solid ideas. Thanks for sharing

[@lifefixx]

Thanks for watching!

[@MistarZtv]

this was so frigging good. gonnna have to do some experimenting to figure out to to fit round bulbs in. hehe

[@mandography]

MistarZtv - Evolve, DbD & Titanfall I had same problem. But was able to cut hole in a small square cardboard for back and pop it in. Only downside is having to tape entire fixture down. But works great for small at home photo projects

[@dorothygrantham4370]

Most Excellent!!! I was looking for something else (unrelated) BUT YOUR DESIGN helped me think a little more in the right direction....I humbly thank You!!

[@lifefixx]

Thanks for the feed back. Glad I could help!

[@sahilyas9154]

Great work

[@savyqnano-xhealthy8122]

Thank you for sharing this 🥰

[@NOUR-1111]

Awesome Awesome !! 😱 YOU ARE GENIUS !! 🤩 It’s perfect 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻 Your Follower from EGYPT 🇪🇬☺️

[@gavin_hill]

This is a great way :)

[@janaabreu]

Genius!

[@lifefixx]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed.

[@tacrewgirl]

Great step by step DIY video My wallet appreciates it Thanks!

[@lifefixx]

Thanks for the comment! Glad I could help out!

[@ezikiels3096]

Reminds me of Backyard FX. Nice job!

[@TheMultiMom]

I was like - shower curtain??? But now I see! That's brilliant!

[@lifefixx]

Thanks for the comment!

[@loccessories]

This is genius! Wondering how I can do this for a diva ring 🤔

[@lifefixx]

Loccessories by K.Hill well I'm sure there's some sort of circular design you can create yourself. Time to get creative :)

[@HelamanGile]

Oh I know how to do that I should make a KZbin video on that thanks for the idea my man

[@RONNYPLAYS]

I have fallen in love with you. Man. what a nice video.

[@art_by_adrian2913]

Brilliant job 👏

[@lifefixx]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@LiliaTarawa]

Awesome video !

[@lifefixx]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment!

[@yourmayoresfood]

Thats so nice i love iy

[@vikingsofvintageaudio7470]

Great video! Thanks!

[@lifefixx]

Glad you liked it!

[@KeiyaHood]

incredible!

[@lifefixx]

Thanks!

[@BarbaraFischer4]

Cool project!

[@lifefixx]

Thanks!

[@novakoratinsweden8748]

Thank you 👍

[@alancoull7969]

Great vid. Love the good vibe and music. Very helpful and I'll certainly give it a go. Just wondering how you went about attaching the softboxes to a stand. Any suggestion on where you sourced your stands and how you attached softboxes would be most appreciated. Thank you. Regards, Alan

[@lifefixx]

I bought a kit on amazon. I realize now I should have done an affiliate link to amazon... probably could have been rich by now. The kit included the neewer lights, and the stands. I attached the softboxes with velcro. I built "doors" as seen in the video that the softboxes could hinge onto the lights.

[@alancoull7969]

@@lifefixx Thank you Mr. Lifefixx. As per your suggestion, I will check out Amazon and see if the Neewar light and stand combo is still available. Will let you know if I find a good deal. Yes, a link to Amazon is probably a good idea. Maybe it's not too late? Anyway, thanks for taking the time to reply to my query...really appreciated. Regards, Alan

[@lifefixx]

Thanks for watching! Let me know if your soft boxes turned out as great as mine did!

[@ktiemz]

lifefixx will let you know soon, thanks for this!

[@JHOFAITH]

nice video thank for this

[@lifefixx]

Your Welcome

[@JanineMKartist]

I might try vellum instead of shower curtain. I have a mini godox light so I will do a mini version of this. Great tip.

[@lifefixx]

Great idea. How did it turn out?

[@JanineMKartist]

lifefixx not at that point yet. Busy with other projects at the moment.

[@lifefixx]

@@JanineMKartist Fair enough. Best of luck!

[@theportraitist4888]

That was great, thanks.

[@lifefixx]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@khalidalmasoud6191]

You are creative

[@abdellatif7668]

Nice, good job, will do for sure ^^

[@lifefixx]

Please do! Thanks!

[@Respectmoments222]

Hey! Thanks for the video. I want to use tracing paper instead of shower curtain. Would that be OK?

[@lifefixx]

Awesome Builds I imagine you can use any kind of white paper or wax paper. Some materials will be more permanent than others. Thanks for watching!

[@GamesWorldShehryarGR]

Good job 👍

[@lifefixx]

Thanks

[@Reborndollrollplay3456]

fantastic idea would have love it to be a step by step but brilliant idea

[@lifefixx]

Thanks! This is an old video. If I did it again, I would do it a lot differently. But thanks for your comment

[@Reborndollrollplay3456]

@@lifefixx could you do an updated version would greatly appreciated it. as it hard for a newbe photography stuff so expansive

[@ahmed44432]

Fr boss one of the good videos out there

[@lifefixx]

Thanks!

[@lakshmis696]

Thanks for the video! Great idea. I purchased a warm LED tube light. Will it do the same work as a soft box?

[@lifefixx]

Maybe. Sounds like it could be the same thing. Haven't really heard of that before

[@herryqiu7639]

Hello , this is herry from shenzhen jiangjing lighting and selling led lights from factory . if you want to buy , contact me by email [e-mail] Thank you

[@choyrazali]

Very good 👍

[@lifefixx]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@myfoodtime2956]

Thanks thanks 🙏

[@ripley4726]

I'm finding some even cheaper solutions to some lighting... on youtube there are some clips, long clips with only solid or flashing lights, colour chenging, solid colors, white... that you can also use and if you have a mac you can dim the light easily... works quite well in some situations

[@anika1677]

This is awesome. I love how clean and professional it looks. What batteries do you recommend to use with the light from amazon? :)

[@lifefixx]

Thanks. The battery is included with the light.

[@doitdeshonna]

I know it's been two years but I really need to ask you a question. Where can I find a cheap LED light that does something similar to this one? Thanks for the great vid!

[@lifefixx]

amazon. the name of the lights i have are in the video. Thanks. New videos coming soon :)

[@herryqiu7639]

Hello , this is herry from shenzhen jiangjing lighting and selling led lights from factory . if you want to buy , contact me by email [e-mail] Thank you

[@chercheurdor1944]

Merci !!

[@humilitybeforehonor]

Great job on making the boxes. The engineering concept of cutting the shapes the exact size is the most difficult part. Did you have a template to go by?

[@lifefixx]

Thanks for the comment. I didn't make a template. I've got a lot of questions about this. Unfortunately I no longer have the softboxes. This video was made in my early stages of DIY video making. I would do it much differently. I assumed that people would be making their boxes custom fit to whatever lights they had.... not following my exact design. I hope that helps.

[@eunsc6027]

Hi! Can you share your measurement for your light?

[@Pauletteangela]

Great Video! How much was the stand and Light itself ?

[@charminglyrella6909]

Turned out really nice. What size is your smaller softbox? Yours definitely looks better than mine. Made it before I watched your video.

[@lifefixx]

Hey! There're about 21" by 15". Thanks for watching!

[@hebrewisraelitemuzikpublis7486]

Dude that music where could I get a copy of that? & Thanks for the video too.

[@nyramtf4406]

this is genius XD

[@lifefixx]

Thanks, glad you think so!

[@FerdiCildiz]

awesome. is there an idea for the stick? can we do it from shower curtain hangers? :)

[@007bm]

Thank you

[@lifefixx]

You're welcome

[@markpbowen]

For those that love to make things. This is brilliant. I am not sure I have the patients. 😂 Also when factoring in time to make as well as the cost of the parts. Wouldn’t it be cheaper to buy a basic soft box. Well it would for me as I can’t make anything that lasts. Like I say for those that love to make things great job. The light from the box was excellent.

[@lifefixx]

Yup. I'm sure you could find some pretty cheap softboxes. Not sure if you could buy 2 softboxes that fit exactly to the lights you currently own for less than 10 dollars. But yes you are right. I like to build things.

[@markpbowen]

Well I have to say your build is better than many I have watched on KZbin. I needed a better light so I bought a cheap powered soft box with out bulbs for £14.99. Bulbs are about £12. Less stress for me, my skills lie elsewhere. I wish I was good at making things.

[@lifefixx]

@@markpbowen It's good to understand that! That's what I learned about running a business. Don't do everything yourself just to save money. It's a better investment to pay a pro to do it, than wasting twice as much time doing it with half the quality.

[@veerff4133]

Nice

[@muddabuwshi6510]

genius!

[@TheSwaggCuhh]

What stand is he using for the light?

[@TheMRZVlogs]

nice video bro...

[@lifefixx]

Thanks

[@annicks7385]

Genius

[@lifefixx]

Thanks!

[@lucianofinella4118]

bravo

[@mariaelenitaalexander4804]

Can i have the exact measurements please...thank you

[@lifefixx]

Hi. I don't remember the measurements. Unless you are building softboxes to fit the same model of lights I have, the measurements won't be of use to you. I guess this video requires a little bit of creativity :)

[@jalenyvans1487]

lifefixx I got the same light you did , do you have the measurements ?:)

[@pamellathomas679]

@@jalenyvans1487 He said he doesn't remember the measurements he used! I guess what I need to do is to measure your equipment and work from it. That's what I would have done.

[@FrogOne]

@@jalenyvans1487 do you have a measuring tape????????? HAHHAHAHHAHA

[@paulsimpson6290]

Excellent! Thanks! Two questions… How did you calculate the angle of the “flare” out? What was the cheese for? 🤣

[@lifefixx]

Thanks. Well to be honest I don't remember. It was a while ago i made this video. It was a mathematical equation i got from the measurements of the light. I didn't make the right measurements the first time. You might not either lol. You might just want to experiment with some pieces of scrap paper first

[@galeritravels]

Better we used fabric material or white papper ?

[@TryMyMartini]

Nce build! I'm going to do this. I think I might put magnets in matching spots in the tape on the shower curtain and lip, just cuz I'm fancy! =] I might also spread the glue on the foam board panels and place them flat down on the tin foil before I cut the foil, I'm not sure. Not that it matters probably.

[@lifefixx]

That's a much better idea than binder clips. Although, I'm not sure how tight you'll be able to get the curtain with magnets?

[@TryMyMartini]

@@lifefixx I was thinking that instead of just the tape, I would create a frame out of the foam board for the curtain. That would probably give the curtain panel enough rigidity. They sell bags of pretty powerful button-sized magnets on Amazon, and I’m think about putting some in the tape along the frame every couple of inches or so. How many I need to use will probably depend on how strong the magnets turn out to be. The magnets aren’t necessary by any means, but I do like the idea of just being able to place the panel over the lights, and having it stay on its own. Initially I thought Velcro might be a good idea, but I think the act of pulling on it to detach it would be a strain on the structure of the box, and it would eventually start to get a bit floppy. I’ll let you know if it ends up working. We are still pretty much on lockdown in my area, so I’ve got nothing but time to experiment!

[@lifefixx]

@@TryMyMartini Yeah I wouldn't do velcro. If I were to remake these soft boxes, which I'm going to soon. I wouldn't use velcro to attach the soft boxes to the lights. its too much of a pain to rip them off. Magnets is a great idea. And I like the idea of a frame. It would make it really easy to remove with out causing any damage. Well good luck! I'd love to hear about your results.

[@shanelscreativeworld1243]

dope

[@lifefixx]

Very dope! Glad you think so. How did yours turn out?

[@humilitybeforehonor]

You did such a great job making something that could be reused. Would you consider making something similar with another lighting source. For example, you have a lighting stand with a mounted LED light, designed to fit that stand. How would you make something, if you didn't have the custom light stand with the mounted LED light?

[@lifefixx]

Are you referring to like.... an entire light + soft box as a unit? Building one?

[@humilitybeforehonor]

@@lifefixx I think I understand now. I need to use your ida as a guide but customize it to my specific items. Thanks again.

[@Tareshen]

Great video! Just one question, though...why didn't you use the velcro tape to attach the shower curtain to the front? That's honestly where I thought you were going when you added the edges. It would be easier to attach and not make it front heavy. I will be using your vid to do my own, just with my suggestion for attaching the front diffuser. ;)

[@lifefixx]

Not sure if you're familiar with velcro... But it's actually not very easy to take on and off. If I tried to tape velcro to foam board, and the back of shower curtain lining..... 100% the velcro would stay in tact with eachother, while the tape would just rip off. Also, the binder clips aren't very heavy at all. Probably just as heavy as the weight of velcro. unclipping the clips, in my oppinion is far easier and less damaging than constantly removing velcro. My suggestion, if you're going to make a softbox. Use magnets instead of velcro. Thanks for the comment! Feel free to message me and lemme know how yours turns out :)

[@Tareshen]

@@lifefixx I sew a good bit, so I'm pretty familiar with it. But I like the magnet idea, too!

[@lifefixx]

@@Tareshen there ya go. Sewing magnets into the seems I think would be the best bet

[@gereral1_jackofalltrades]

going to build 2 for yn300iii lights

[@lifefixx]

Awesome. Let me know how it goes.

[@gereral1_jackofalltrades]

@@lifefixx have test video 3 lights. I made 2 boxes and will use them in the next bible video podcast with 3 of these light. Hope get video up sometime tomorrow..... i used press board black and black tape. And tin foil. Bought 8 boards....only need 1 per light. Because my lights are set studio lights i opened barn doors taped to them then lined foil to get even reflective inside. Yours is removable. If i need travel light ill take my boom light tn300iii with me . Get really good light out of mine f2.2 0db 4 feet perfect. I played with a 30 30 mix and was surprised it brought out pink in face at 3100 kalvin in post.

[@gereral1_jackofalltrades]

@@lifefixx thks for this video by the way!

[@lifefixx]

@@gereral1_jackofalltrades awesome.

[@RussmanDesignHD]

Damn you cutting that carpet up! Good stuff tho!

[@vivi27268]

Wow!!!!!!!

[@lifefixx]

Glad you're so amazed!

[@DodgaOfficial]

What kind of light is that?

[@1tricepgod]

i finally found a video on this topic where it’s in english

[@lifefixx]

lol Glad you enjoyed it

[@ashting27]

Do you have the measurements for the cardboard

[@lifefixx]

I do not. The concept was to build the softboxes around which ever lights you have.

[@Print229]

Maybe this is a silly question but can you get similar effects with two large, good old fashioned lamps with shades?

[@lifefixx]

I think you could. But good lighting in my opinion is mostly based on color temperature and light positioning. If you could position your lamps, and you had a day light color temperature and got creative im sure you could pull off something decent.