How to Make a Dollar Tree Light Box for Photos DIY

[@myhumbleheartedhome]

Thank you! Seeing this two years later. I sell on Etsy and it is SO hard to have the right amount of daylight and be prepared with product and have the time for photography all at the same time. I’m excited to try this!

[@TipsnTales]

So glad it can help! Let me know how it turns out 😊

[@johnreskusich2324]

I scaled mine up to 22 by 22. Used clear packing tape instead. Used double sided tape to support the infinity background. I used butcher paper for the diffuser windows(works great). I experimented with bubble wrap which also worked pretty well. But, butcher paper was better. your video inspired me to get the job done with things around my house(except the foam board) Very happy with the results. Thank you very much.

[@TipsnTales]

Awesome ideas!! Glad you were able to figure it all out with those options 😊

[@tammygant4216]

I love how you keep it real--mistakes and all. That's what it looks like when I craft!

[@TipsnTales]

Real person here teaching real people 😂 Thanks!! 😊

[@tinastracqualursi8275]

Alao seeing this years later but this is a lot better than the $40 i spent on Amazon. I will give this a try. Thank you so much!

[@TipsnTales]

Glad to help!

[@lionheart830]

Had to return my Amazon light box. Came with no lights and no power cord! I made a home made and saved $50 bucks.

[@cardvaultinc.432]

I went to dollar tree and collected the needed supplies. The box I built is only a 10x10 and works very well. I built it for sports card photography. Great video

[@TipsnTales]

So glad you were able to make it all work for your business needs! 😊

[@MyMiaArabella]

Waxed or parchment paper works too. I made one using a cardboard box.

[@TipsnTales]

Great suggestion!

[@lionheart830]

Great idea. You already have the stability at the start.

[@jennifermarie1230]

Ahhh the old schools KZbin Dollar tree music i love it!!

[@JS-iq4id]

We LOVED the video ! Thank you for the budget version. We were a little disappointed we couldn’t see an example of how the photo turned out with the two different bulbs.

[@TipsnTales]

Sorry about that but glad I could help you with the box :)

[@nikkilee911]

I've used flour sack towels for light diffusers as well. They are thin but durable, and you can buy a 10 pack at the store for cheap

[@TipsnTales]

Great suggestion thanks!

[@msheidi315]

Thank you for sharing. I’m excited I used a white box and turned it inside out. Then put back foam board. Yeah! Blessings and favor,

[@TipsnTales]

Great ideas!! 😊

[@cassirae5598]

Love this so much! I made the 20x20 box and used white table cover instead of tissue paper. I plan on making a smaller one soon. Thank you so much for the tutorial. I am so happy I didn't have to buy the one I was looking at, my budget is tight. 😊

[@TipsnTales]

So happy I could help!! 🥰🤗

[@ConservativePrincess]

Use a medium UHAUL box spray paint the inside with white paint& cut a pieces of poster board for the center & can cut holes & use a sheet/tissue paper or wax paper for the sides for lighting defusers. 👍

[@TipsnTales]

Great suggestion!

[@WonderWhatHappened]

Great step by step video. I think for starting out this is great way to be able to take quality photos. I do think in time it's probably more economical to invest in a box that allows you to unassemble for storage and to not get worn out. I wish I did this starting out with my product photography. Another tip is to use manual mode on camera or phone and briefly familiarize yourself with ISO mode and Aperture (camera lens opening). It will pay dividends in the future. There are tutorials and Apps that will help if you don't have manual mode on your phone.

[@TipsnTales]

Thanks so much for your insight! Very valuable information. I love this option for beginners, but I agree eventually you will need to advance and upgrade as your experience grows 😊

[@ThatPlanningMom]

So glad I found this before I ruined my project. ❤

[@TipsnTales]

Glad you found this helpful 😊

[@wordivore]

This video was linked in a FB reseller group when someone asked about an affordable option for a light box. I'm so glad I clicked to watch. This is awesome. It came out really good. Thanks!

[@TipsnTales]

Oh that’s awesome! Thanks for letting me know and I’m so glad you found it helpful 😊

[@xpj1000]

This is a great and inexpensive light box. Thank you for showing us how. I used to have one that came with lighting and the lamps had diffusers as well to avoid having those "hot spots" show up on your items, so perhaps, since LED bulbs are cool, maybe some of that paper could be added to the lamps to diffuse that light even more? Just a thought. I think I'd use the clear packing tape, also available TDT, instead of the masking tape. Masking tape, in my experience, will become dry and brittle and will begin to come off the foam core board, especially since it's sides are smooth from hot pressing. There's on "tooth" or "grain" to adhere to. But, again, just a thought. Thanks again!

[@TipsnTales]

Great suggestions!! I appreciate it and I’m sure the viewers here do too 😊

[@donwarnick1089]

That basic 5-10 box made that globe look terrific I can’t wait to take this idea and start listing. Well done!

[@TipsnTales]

Glad to help!! 🤗

[@lavendergal2508]

Dollar tree also has normally in the same aisle with the tools, different colored duct tape. I bought white duct tape to make my board/Photo Booth. Works 🎉

[@TipsnTales]

Yes! Great idea!

[@lillibilson4749]

Thank you for this tutorial. I was needing a light box to improve my product pictures.

[@TipsnTales]

So glad to help!

[@StacyL.]

You know I noticed at 5:39 when you were making your first cuts with the utility knife, that it didn't actually cut all the way through and you had like a hinge. I would have not cut on the other side and just left the hinge and then reinforced that with tape. Maybe that would save and extra step if we want to make a light box that has solid sides and we weren't wanting to do side shots?

[@TipsnTales]

That definitely could work depending on the photographer’s need. 😊

[@lisaferrell8934]

Great job

[@meg9403]

I made this using your tutorial! It turned out great! Thank you!!!😀

[@TipsnTales]

That’s AWESOME 🤗

[@rachellegendron2288]

I have 4 tips 1- when sizing your board to 20 inches, just cut it on one side on 2 of the boards. You will just have to tape the 10 inch flap seam in the middle to form the back rather then all 4 sides and risk it not being perfectly square. 2- I would cut a 3 sided square out the top to create a flap to gain access to top view photos 3- use Velcro rather Theo tape at the top if you plan on exchanging the backdrop colours 4- what about using pillow case protectors for allergies which is similar to interfacing. Would be sturdier then

[@TipsnTales]

Thanks for the tips 😊

[@thecaptainsnark]

it took me WAY too long to visualize what you meant by 3-sided square 😅my brain was like ??triangle???

[@TipsnTales]

😂 I can understand your confusion there 😊

[@vickigay3321]

Thank you. Going to give this a try.

[@jrho6513]

I would tape the first two sides together, then the second two sides together. Then, I would bring both of them together. I think that may be easier to maneuver. Thank you for sharing this. I look forward to making one. Cheers.

[@TipsnTales]

Great suggestion! Thank you 😊

[@l-bird]

Thank you for the tutorial. It really helps and is appreciated. I haven't made one yet, but I've watched a few videos. Somebody else used parchment paper instead of tissue. I imagine that would definitely be less fragile, but since I have't tried it yet, I can't say which would look better for photos.

[@TipsnTales]

The best solution (in my opinion) is lightweight interfacing. Here is my original video that shows what I used: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXWpdXWOaMx4ers

[@JiroProject]

Every Walmart ran out of the 1650 bulbs. But I'm so glad you put in a link to Amazon. If it helps you with commission (affiliate), I'm definitely getting a set for your help

[@TipsnTales]

Yes, I do get a little commission when anyone uses my Amazon link 😊 Thanks 😊

[@JiroProject]

Good job in what you do, I watched both your videos making these

[@TipsnTales]

Thanks so much! Glad to help 😊

[@OtherDeb]

Great DIY video! I need to make one of these, and your instructions are very easy to follow!

[@TipsnTales]

So glad I could help 😊

[@josheyrooney]

Excellent! Thank you so much

[@TipsnTales]

Glad to help! 😊

[@MsBODYSHAPERS]

❤ love, love it thank you for sharing

[@TipsnTales]

Glad to help 😊

[@karenweihbrecht345]

Great tutorial....really enjoyed it...you did a great job!

[@TipsnTales]

Glad to help 😊

[@mariekelsey3282]

Thank you for this great nuggets ❤️

[@TipsnTales]

Of course 😊

[@jennspinler1188]

Wonderful tutorial! I’ve never used a light box before and am not sure how it will work for what I want! Great started before investing in a real one! Thank you!!

[@TipsnTales]

That’s what I love about this budget box. No harm if it doesn’t work or is temporary 😊

[@gettincraftywitit]

Great tutorial; just what I was looking for! No sue if anyone suggested it, bu you can also use parchment or wax paper for diffusing.

[@TipsnTales]

Great suggestion! 😊

[@gettincraftywitit]

@@TipsnTales Thank you 🤗

[@ReginaM.0220]

Great tips! Thank you.

[@TipsnTales]

So glad I can help 😊

[@repeters1]

I really liked your video and I was wondering where you got that cool ruler?

[@TipsnTales]

I bought mine at Joann Fabrics years ago. This one is similar: amzn.to/3QJXDSS

[@blackgemstone801]

Lovely diy! I just listed my first item today and I can't wait to up my game with your channel :)

[@TipsnTales]

That’s awesome!! Hopefully my videos can help you out some 🤗

[@ryanjade2836]

Great video. I'm starting to sell auto parts on ebay and I need a photo booth. Thanks for making this

[@TipsnTales]

So glad it was helpful!

[@beesokay]

You could find or buy an existing cardboard box, cut the squares out of the sides and front, and then cut posterboard or paper to fit on the inside like you did for the back panel. That way you wouldn't have to put it together and it would have more structure.

[@TipsnTales]

@@beesokay great idea 😊

[@StarrHrdgr]

Oddly enough, I just went to the dollar tree. Thanks for the post.

[@TipsnTales]

😊😊

[@shantelpetersalexander7167]

I love this! Thanks for the video! Also I think I would hate fighting the masking tape. I’d still use it, but then go over it with the duck tape like you mentioned. Just to hold it better. 😊 the masking tape made you work a little harder. But great!!!

[@TipsnTales]

You can definitely use whatever tape works best for you 😊 So many options!

[@dannytetreault]

Very cool, lady!

[@TipsnTales]

Glad to help 😊

[@beasaroseco5840]

Great tip!

[@TipsnTales]

🤗

[@franchiseplaya75]

This worked out perfect for me cause I have all the materials except the lightbulb

[@TipsnTales]

Awesome!!

[@maliksutton6634]

Hope you do more creations like this.

[@TipsnTales]

Thanks !

[@tomo7347]

Awesome Thank you very very much from the Fiji Islanda "Binaka" Thank you

[@TipsnTales]

So glad to help!! 🤗

[@twanbrooks7880]

Great video thanks

[@TipsnTales]

So glad to help!! 😊

[@lillianlopez8829]

Hello,I watched your videos I love how you explain it. I do have a question I would like to make the box a little bigger is that possible? If yes what are the measurements I bought the dollar tree boards ….

[@TipsnTales]

You can really make it any size you want. Just ensure the measurements line up on the opposite sides 😊

[@emiesart]

your dollar tree just called mine poor 💀💀 great video tho thank you for your content !!

[@TipsnTales]

Oh no! Do you not have these items at your store?

[@ptbrad752]

Hahaha 🤣 funny

[@mycraftynook5266]

excellent job. I love how your light box turned out. thank you for sharing. I will need to make myself one. great tips. 😀❤

[@TipsnTales]

So glad to help!! 🤗

[@BrattyMonk]

I love this video sm. I would suggest adding a note so that when people are crafting with you they have a heads up that it wasn’t correct to cut the 4th center from the board. Also, could another 20x20 poster board have been used for the back price or does having it in sections help with another function? I just realized it was probably just to used the extra pieces of poster board. I will definitely be using this! Seems so simple and easy to put away and take back out.

[@TipsnTales]

You definitely need the back board to stabilize the box. Otherwise it would fall over sideways. Sorry about the error in my instructions, unfortunately there is no way to edit the video like that after it is posted 😕

[@allthingssilver7635]

Great Job!

[@marywilson33]

Thanks for the info !

[@TipsnTales]

I hope it can help ☺️

[@katiew.9176]

Could you cut a small hole at the top where the poster board meets the edge so you can use a binder clip to hold it in

[@TipsnTales]

Great suggestion 🤗

[@Bthefilmer]

I need to try this.

[@TipsnTales]

It’s really simple 😊

[@brianaramos8006]

This was great! Thank you!

[@TipsnTales]

Thanks for watching! Glad to help 😊

[@Mr_Chris77]

The 800 lumen lights were too dim, I agree. Do you have to use like a floor lamp if you want to light through the top or can you use a ceiling light? Great tutorial. Very low cost and looks nice.

[@TipsnTales]

A floor lamp would work great! Or if you have a clamp light and something to clip it to above the box. 🤗

[@aurawright2130]

I was following your instructions and cut the 4th hole also, before getting to your instructions about not cutting the fourth hole! I see that I was not the only one who did that. If you are unable to edit it. Perhaps re-doing the video would save other people the frustration of having to fix it later! Overall it was a helpful video and I built one. Just waiting for my Amazon order with the interfacing. Thank you.

[@TipsnTales]

So sorry about that! Thanks for the feedback and I will try to edit the video 😊

[@aurawright2130]

@@TipsnTales thank you.

[@barbra429]

@@TipsnTales Did you ever edit the video?

[@TipsnTales]

@@barbra429 Unfortunately there is no way to fix this without re-filming the whole video. KZbin only allows you to take parts of the video out. Not add in clips or add words. So sorry!

[@barbra429]

@@TipsnTales It's OK. It will still work :)

[@purpgodthelilspazz]

Very helpful

[@TipsnTales]

Glad to help ☺️

[@nardalefevre8040]

Love yr videos

[@TipsnTales]

So glad to help! 😊

[@idumabest7087]

Awesome, great job! Instructions for photoroom app on another video?

[@TipsnTales]

Here you go 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqGYc3uXe9ukoZI

[@daveking6901]

Have looked everywhere for a clear flexible yardstick like that where did you find it?

[@TipsnTales]

Joann Fabrics 😊 Or possibly this one: amzn.to/3oIF7Pe

[@storminight]

I’d run school or clear glue on the inside box corners just to stabilize it a little more.

[@TipsnTales]

Great idea!! Thanks 😊

[@TheRealUncleFrank]

Use white duct tape instead of masking tape, and it will be sturdier and much more durable. Also from Dollar Tree. Their rolls aren't very long, tho, so may or may not need 2 rolls. Another material from Dollar Tree that might work as a diffuser instead of tissue paper, is their rectangular white plastic table cloths. 100watt bulbs are definitely better, and Daylight bulbs instead of soft white, for a better color balance. Dollar tree does sometimes have Daylight bulbs, and sometimes 100w bulbs, but not sure if they have 100w Daylight bulbs.

[@TipsnTales]

Awesome suggestions! Thank you 😊

[@crushcity3034]

Will a 15x15 box offer enough light reflection to work well? Or is 20x 20 the ideal size?

[@TipsnTales]

I’m honestly not sure, but I would think it would be fine as long as you cute the openings big enough.

[@dyladino]

The goat

[@TipsnTales]

Thanks 😊

[@DLADY20879]

I used hot glue and it made it very sturdy

[@TipsnTales]

Great idea!

[@stopit4uca]

Can I also make a mixture of glue and water and spread the tissue paper multiple times creating layers?

[@TipsnTales]

I have not personally tried that but you could try it. Worst case scenario you may be out just a few $ if it doesn’t work. 😊

[@chuckwallace4791]

What was the name of the photo app you were talking about??

[@TipsnTales]

Photoroom 😊

[@pamelah9093]

Thank you!

[@TipsnTales]

Of course 🤗

[@AllenSchoepflin]

I was curious how one would go about getting a top down view

[@LachhebDrawing]

thank you

[@helenkelly-coco4249]

Your video was very helpful. I made my box, but I'm having trouble getting the background to show up truly white. I have some questions: 1)) I did get the 1600 bulbs from WalMart (actually my husband did lol) but he got the WalMart brand instead of the name brand. Do you think that could be causing the difference in lighting? 2) I ended up trying 4 lamps total, 2 on each side, which did help but I'm still getting a lot of yellow. I have the lamps very close to each side, but not actually touching the interfacing. I happened to have fusible interfacing on hand at the house, so that's what I used. Could that be the issue? It's light weight and practically transparent. 3) I also did NOT make a large window at the top of the box. This box is going to be for the pictures that I take for my instructional documents, so it's 24" square. I made a smaller hole at the top that I can lay my camera on and take a picture from the top view. Could this be the problem? Thank you very much for any advice you could give me. Helen

[@mandiepandie]

Your lightbulbs need to have a high CRI. I was having this same problem and tried almost every bulb from Lowes. The brand I ordered online was CREE. It's a game changer, seriously you wont regret it.

[@TipsnTales]

Thanks for this suggestion!

[@ananm3442]

I was wondering why you were cutting 5 sides then tape it back together lol Great idea

[@TipsnTales]

Yeah… ooops 😂

[@waynelebrun4252]

Could you not use parchement paper instead of tissue paper?

[@TipsnTales]

Possibly, as long as it’s not too thick. It needs to still filter the light, not block it 😊

[@kaydee7409]

Where is the link for the tutorial for light room?

[@TipsnTales]

Here is the Photo Room app video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqGYc3uXe9ukoZI My other light box video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXWpdXWOaMx4ers

[@jerrygowins]

I've bought plain shower curtain liners there for $1. More durable than tissue.

[@TipsnTales]

Does it filter the light enough though? Great suggestion if so!

[@jerrygowins]

Yes, quite. I made a large scrim using it over a 1/2" pvc pipe frame to soften sunlight for portraits.

[@jerrygowins]

It's not the clear liner. It's creamy white.

[@TipsnTales]

@@jerrygowins Awesome! Thanks for the tip 😊

[@mercedescraftstudio]

Why do we need to cut a square when you are covering with tissue paper?

[@TipsnTales]

To filter the light

[@Ellegoldn]

I would have put the backdrop in before putting on the back

[@TipsnTales]

The back helps to stabilize the box and it’s shape. I’m not sure if you could get the backdrop to stay without it, but maybe 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Ellegoldn]

@@TipsnTales should have also mentioned maybe using hot glue as well to attach the boards. Would probably give you a bit more stability

[@TipsnTales]

@@Ellegoldn great suggestion! Thanks for sharing.

[@jane1385]

@@Ellegoldn I did this and it was hard not to make a mess. Well maybe not a mess but some of the glue showed after

[@adriennealine]

You could also add small command hooks in the back for your backdrop to hang from

[@lindajacobsen822]

It might be easier to just buy a large packing box at Walmart and cover it with poster board and cut out the sides.

[@TipsnTales]

Great Idea!

[@prosperity.]

omg.. Just three sides😕, I should have watched the whole video first.. maybe put a caption up at 7:40 " to only cut 3..

[@TipsnTales]

I accidentally cute all 4 sides originally. All you have to do is pop your center back in secure with tape and the poster board will cover it up 🤗

[@firoozeghasemi6798]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@ging0170]

I would have taped the tissue paper onver the holes before assembling the box.

[@TipsnTales]

Good idea! 🤗

[@jrho6513]

The tissue paper may rip if you do that.

[@happyavocado8834]

Dollar Tree sells USB plug-in light boards for $5.00.

[@TipsnTales]

You have a cooler Dollar Tree than mine 😉

[@jeanscott5854]

🙏🏾👍🏾

[@AllenSchoepflin]

I think it would look nicer if you bought 5 foam boards

[@spotsandme1968]

100W is better

[@TipsnTales]

Good to know! Thank you 😊

[@rosemarymorris245]

To much. A little complicated could not see you actually measuring. Or sizes.

[@stevekelly7084]

Don't buy the Dollar Tree Soft White bulbs! Buy the Dollar Tree Daylight bulbs! The Soft White bulbs are more around the 2700k in the light spectrum and the Daylight are closer to 5000k. The Soft White will look more amber or yellow and the Daylight will be almost perfect white which is great for taking pics in a light box. Dollar Tree carries both versions. In your comparisons between the two bulbs at the end its not the difference in brightness thats important but the difference in the color spectrum. The more expensive bulbs from Wal-Mart may look brighter but it mostly due to the fact it is more white in color spectrum. Dollar Tree does carry the Daylight version for $1 but I have noticed occasionally they run out of stock on the shelves. If you have 2-3 light bulbs on a Lightbox that are white in color or closer to daylight / 5000k then the lumen rating is really not something that matters. That only matters if you trying to light up a large space. Lumen is the measure of how much light. For example, if you were taking professional pictures indoor and you needed to light up a large space then you would want to pay attention to the lumen rating because you would need to light up a much larger area than a small Lightbox. Also, good selfie ring lights are designed this way. They operate closer to 5000k in the color spectrum. Thats why they're so great for selfies and taking pics.

[@TipsnTales]

Thanks for sharing this amazing information! I agree I would have selected Daylight bulbs, but my store did not have them. 🙃