How To Build A Photo Light Box For Less Than $10

Watch this photographer walk you through how to build your own light box for small product photography. All materials used in this tutorial can be bought for a few dollars at Walmart or any craft supply store, or you may already have most items around the house. Stay tuned until the end to hear some helpful photography tips.

[@p39483]

Never cut toward yourself. Always cut toward a friend.

[@vaidehimundra1145]

Lol

[@lavasurfer22]

I have always cut towards myself. I've never had a problem and I doubt I ever will. The only time I have been cut is by someone else... cutting away from their own body like p39483 mentioned.

[@shellhammergallery]

LOL.

[@SovereignStatesman]

What if you're cutting yourself for depression?

[@foodisgood7607]

Tom Evans lol

[@huikalainoeausales4636]

Thank you for posting this! I went to the fabric store here in Kāneʻohe, HI and spent $4 on fabric and scrounged around our workshop for other materials and the photos came out perfect! Much mahalo for sharing your ideas!!

[@mswashu]

Years ago, but still the simplest DIY LB I've seen yet! Thank you!

[@Skulldiggers]

Great Video. People who complain on here have issues because they can not follow simple instructions. I just picked up all of the parts needed for the box, EXACTLY as you described. The Box was $1.88 at Lowes. I got the interfacing at Joan's, 1-1/2 yard for $3.84 (with a hobby lobby coupon) and then the poster board as $1 for two sheets at the Dollar Tree. That's a whopping $6.72 to build the box. See people missed the title of this video "How To Build A Photo Light Box For Less Than $10", you never mention buying lights in the cost of building the box. SO THANK YOU for this video, and the easy to follow, for most people, instructions.

[@laurahutt9992]

Can you tell me how thick the Interfacing was? They have light and medium at WalMart and I'm not sure which one to purchase. Thank you!

[@Skulldiggers]

@@laurahutt9992 Go with the medium.

[@resarm5007]

The box is useless without the lights...JS!

[@amyschihl865]

Thank you for posting this. Starting a new, small business is expensive so any help with great tips is really appreciated.

[@mcbc5189]

Bravo. This is by far the best home made light box I've seen on KZbin. Easy to make, easier to use, and looks like it provides better results.

[@jordanharris435]

I was able to make this with various supplies in my college dorm room. I already had three lamps, though the light wasn't flourescent, the photos turned out well. I also already had the same size box (we use them for on-campus storage). Three pieces of white artists paper from a drawing class later, I had a great light box! Thanks so much! I'm working on a project in college where we have to identify a massive collection of shells to their genus and give a presentation on our findings. Most kids are just bringing the box of shells and pointing to each, but with this video, I've been able to take really professional photos for a slideshow presentation. Thanks so much!

[@insomaniac1796]

how did it go

[@lordkayx]

When I looked around for a bit this was hands down the most informative video ive found and I cannot thank you enough. My original rig cost 0$ old A/C white sheet for diffusion and lamps with the shades taken off, oh and printer paper for my background. I was shooting watches and it did the trick nicely. I did go to Walmart and bought 1 extra lamp, some new bulbs a big whit poster board and some wrapping tissue for the diffusion. Thanks so much again! you have inspired my passions in photography

[@janetwagner2205]

Better late than never, but I did it, following your terrific video! It all cost me $17 at Walmart (but that's because I didn't have any lamps or fluorescent bulbs and couldn't find a good box around the house). Turned out perfectly. Thank you, thank you for this - I've been REALLY struggling with my pictures and spending hours editing them. You're a lifesaver! :)

[@newtuber4freedom43]

Thanks for the tut! Summation: for supplies (prices subject to vary / change) ... 1 box @ 18" x 18" x 24", Interfacing fabric (1.5 yards), clean bright white poster board, scissors, box cutter, packing tape, pencil (pen or marker), 2-3 clamp lites [I already have 2 LED battery operated camping lanterns - so I can go remotely] and straight edge (unless you like wonky lines). Alternatives: I would draw the lines first (including a small square for top shooting or more light), assemble, then cut the box and add the fabric and poster board. I will also be modifying so this will store flat and reassemble easily for on location shoots.

[@KateHolloman]

Thank you so much for sharing this! Can't wait to make my own and start shooting!

[@gregmcdonald3361]

Best instructional video. Straight to the point no rambling thank you

[@beachlife8367]

So glad these videos are still online....because I need them badly! Thanks so much for posting this.

[@InsideOutside360]

Best light box video on KZbin, well made, thank you, we'll make one now.

[@sharoncooper8469]

Thank you so very much. I was just looking for the best, most inexpensive, light box kit to order online when I came across your video. You just saved me quite a bit of money!

[@KandisSJGroup]

I went to the thrift store and found clip lamps. Look around for your items! Big lots even has them for cheap.

[@celestegoff]

Great tips! I have a blog and make cards and have the toughest time getting consistent lighting in my house. Love this idea!

[@catherinecormiermcveigh5168]

Wow great video! I used to work for a company that spent a lot of money for photography for our products. Wow this is great! Now it's affordable for new small entrepreneurs like myself. Thank you so much!

[@missysunshine2660]

Here it is 4 years after this video was made. Just went to Walmart and got the supplies. Yes, a little more expensive now, but still in the "price range" for what I wanted. Instead of clip-on lights, I bought just desk lights ($7.97 each) so it makes them a bit more portable and you can still bend and position them. I put the box on top of my chest freezer and put a light on both sides. It works fantastic!! Happy!

[@KJMarchelak]

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Good Job.

[@jamesgaul3544]

Good info. I would use daylight bal. bulbs (5500K) and also by adding another piece of diffusion between the light source and the fabric on the box will make it more like a softbox. Also, by having a black/white fabric over the front, with a hole for your lens, will help too.

[@grossmuetti]

This is one of the best tutorials I have seen. Short and to the point, and very creative and useful. Thank you!!!!

[@ctkenyon56]

Great tutorial! Thank you. Very helpful. Some things I did differently: I cut out the top panel so I could have a butterfly clip on top to hold the poster board. That way, I can switch out different colored poster boards. I also added an extension to the cut out panel of the top, so I can rest it on top without it falling through.

[@lilysaona1476]

great idea can you add a photo for me to see your set up. Thank you

[@BarbarosaAlexander]

I love this. The only change I think I will make is to keep the top on, but make a slit to slide the poster boards into, so I can keep the box more structurally sound, and still have an option for top lighting. But I simply love making the poster board swappable.

[@resarm5007]

@@lilysaona1476 really? She just cut a small hole for a BUTTERFLY CLIP so she can clip different backdrops I stead of just white. It is not a difficult concept. Find a clip. Cut a hole big enough for it. It doesn't hafta be complicated! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@resarm5007]

@@lilysaona1476 and NOOOOO KZbin doesn't allow photos. They even delete most outside links.

[@thebulgarian56]

@@resarm5007 some people are visual learners. there is no need to be rude.🤡

[@judichristopher4604]

YOU are SOOOO Smart!!! Great Idea. Thank YOU for sharing this.

[@kudamtema3386]

I freaking LOVE this. Thanks a ton for making this. It's so straight to the point to. Perfect!

[@marielybrown4177]

Thank you for this video!! Awesome idea for my Etsy shop!!

[@yassinezair4279]

The best product photography tutorial 👍👍👌.. thank you

[@crystalsportsman2619]

JUST what I was looking for! Although the price is off...majorly, the concept is spot on for what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@Mage0Hallow]

Thanks for the idea. Negative comments below are not called for. At least now I know what to do and what to look for. I'm sure I can find a box for free. two sheets of tissue can be used in place of the fabric. The only cost I foresee is the white sheet and one more lamp! So thank you for showing me your idea.

[@advantius]

Thanks for the instructions! My imagination is kinda limited in some ways and this really helped me out in taking pictures of the things I have to sell. I deal with new iPhones a lot and good pictures that show the smooth surface and rich metallic colors are incredibly important. This DEFINITELY beats sunlight and a sheet. 10/10

[@DIYXYZ]

we are glad you enjoyed it.

[@DIYXYZ]

Thanks for taking the time to share. Glad this video helped you out.

[@missymiss209]

You have the best video on creating a light box. Straight to the point and helpful. Thank you so much!!!!!

[@thomasvalerio9394]

+Thanh Ha And she is beautiful, too.

[@donald5482]

Tatty tty Thanh Ha gghyknnnnnvvcbvvxzdt

[@donald5482]

C bhhhjj. Chuuhhvcdx. Ggyuu

[@dash.car.crashes762]

Portable Foldable Photo Studio Box With Best LED Light amzn.to/2LOTkX1

[@johnnygreenshirt6215]

This is brilliant and so easy to make. I sell shoes online ebay and always wanted to a light box. Gonna make this tomorrow. Many thanks for the up-load.

[@marykayriley]

Thanks, brilliant, I followed your instructions and had everything on hand, an hour later I was shooting product. Perfect video.

[@johnjenin3279]

I can't thank you enough for sharing this!

[@7tub3r]

Well, of the half dozen tutorials on the subject, yours was the best. Thank you.

[@DIYXYZ]

Wow, thanks!

[@culturallymade5561]

I was having trouble with the whole thing to,Thank you so much 😘

[@rashadsmith3435]

Doing this tomorrow night! Thank you for the video. I have most of the the stuff already. I just need to get the white fabric. I'm selling NWOB shoes so this will make my shoes stand out. Thanks again!

[@fredko7086]

Thank you for your clear, simple and complete tutorial. I'll prepare one at home and then will be able to make good pictures of my Lego collection.

[@MargaretPeck-ek5wu]

I followed the directions for making the shadow box it came out great. Thank You

[@DigitalQ1988]

Omg thank you!!!!!! This is amazing and will save me so much money!!! Your appreciated sooo much!

[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

This is perfect! I have been looking for something easy to make for my photos. Thanks!

[@paulrugarber3170]

This can be great for architecture students as well! Great idea

[@MarilynHarding]

Brilliant idea - I've seen another that uses paper and I agree that interface fabric is much safer. Thanks for creating this!

[@jacquelineyepez2186]

This is great! As a small business it works great for my jewelry ❤️

[@LaCatHTF]

She’s gorgeous!! Thanks for the diy photo box

[@gameswithAI]

The best tutorial please make more of these diy.

[@jakeherotube9699]

Love your work. I need a lightbox fast for this weekend but couldn't get one delivered in time and even if I did it would of cost me at least $100! Now I'm excited to make my own :)

[@rahulbhuria6743]

I made the same Light box as she shown here. Works perfectly !! Thank you Girl

[@anjalichawla6619]

Hey which fabric did you use? I'm having issues with the fabric. Can I use butter paper or transparent plastic sheets? Will that be safe and effective?

[@legoat8747]

Awesome! Perfect! Thank you for making this video!

[@mikeoffical532]

Awesome video! Very detailed and easy to follow instructions 👍🏾

[@angelo-001]

Just used Glad Press N Seal and a free shipping box from USPS... worked great! You can fold multiple layers to get different diffusion levels. Thanks for the video!

[@candid_paras2653]

Simple and Cheerful method... Amazing job...

[@mariajesusvargas9791]

Useful and straight forward, thank you!

[@ThatLadinPlaid]

This was straight to the point and very helpful!

[@geoffduke1763]

I did something similar this morning but I made a light soft box same way with a cardboard box and cut out a square on one side taped white paper on the inside and across the cut out. Sealed it shut and cut out a hole at the top for my led light block. Attached two zip ties and hung ir above where I take my photos to have soft light from above. Works a treat for product photography, I don't have alight box I just tape up some white wallpaper and when it's dirty replace it with a new strip. I have a ring light at the front with a diffuser and I have ordered reflectors for the sides. know I should have made them!

[@bharathikrishna3119]

Thank you. This is a really helpful thing.

[@trinasams3691]

Thank you! Easy to understand and very helpful!

[@bernycethompson641]

Amazing idea! Can’t wait to make my very own! Thanks so much for this video!!!!!

[@DIYXYZ]

You are so welcome!

[@KirbyJr]

nice one. i like how you showed the pic you took. came out great in this quick "Savvy" little diy. will for sure try this one soon

[@charleshaacker9568]

That's terrific info! I might add that in 2018 Walmart is selling Great Value 100 watt (equivalent) LED bulbs that are totally cool to the touch even when "burning" for hours. They can be found individually and in 4-packs in daylight and warm white, will screw in to any standard fixture, and since they will not set fire to diffusion material you could use tracing paper if you prefer. It looks to me that they are switching away from CFLs now just as they switched from incandescent a few years ago.

[@ronaldbaker789]

2 work lamps at Harbor Freight was $8. The cloth and poster board at Hobby Lobby was $6. Everything else was in my garage. Great video, so easy.

[@FransecCambo]

wow!!! amazing....can't wait to try it!

[@georgekrysac9318]

Creative and helpful, thank you!

[@rs95_chitrashala]

This is good and straightly useful. Thanks!

[@zozocalle]

Almost 5 years late but wanted to say thank you for this! Very helpful.

[@misterhot9163]

Thank you so much! I'm going to try this with my artwork 👍

[@WorldwideDarts]

Great video. Thank you. Will be putting these ideas to use in 2016 for my channel

[@SuperScreenman]

WOW ! Great advice ! Thanks for the video !

[@GetIntoYourLife]

Thank you for this helpful guide!!!

[@user-ux7xl2nf6x]

Will be making this tomorrow. Am psyched to see how it turns out.

[@CHEFDINO2012]

Thank you! Going to make one tomorrow.

[@bbholu]

that was awesome ....appreciate your hardwork

[@CJ-kb4tt]

thank you! I was just looking online and about to purchase one of these for £40 (even though i knew it probably wouldn't be quite big enough and i have a few large boxes, some that fabric at and a fancy camera at home! great video

[@roslyntaylor6215]

you were very clear on what to do (easy to follow) video quality was excellent. thank you, i'll be using your method.

[@AB-gn8oh]

Your video was very clear ind instructive. Thank you.💐

[@rickswizzle4824]

Super simple and awesome!!! Just saved me some money!!!

[@marketer34]

Good job, and I will try it. Thanks,Steve

[@WarithShabazz]

It actually costed me roughly $45 to build my light box. But in my opinion it was fun and well worth it. Thanks :)

[@taichachloe]

how you literally go to the dollar store

[@surfandprotect]

You can buy them for cheaper. Or did you use special lights?

[@v.n.s.6400]

Great! Thank you! Best tutorial

[@setunamaxwell]

thank you for getting straight to the point. I have most of this stuff already it was just a matter of figuring out how to implement it all. lol

[@tufornumberone]

This is fantastic. Thank you.

[@coreyanderson1457]

Thanks for the tip about ling sleeves to help with the shadows.

[@rivera42johnson]

Thank you for this tutorial!

[@wildheartstudio6265]

awesome! this is exactly what i need! thank you!

[@mompols]

I was about to buy a light box studio on ebay for 40 dollers last night then I saw your vid... so now i'm just going to make my own, thanks so much!!

[@shawnahornsby4254]

This is the best how to for making this out of all the others I watch.

[@hiteshtanwar3313]

love this idea thank you so much Savvy Seller

[@caressaclark1042]

EPIC game changer. Thank you.

[@KorraymSorour]

ur video reached the middle east . i'm from egypt and i'd like to say thank you . this is really good and helpfull ...the way u try to make it easy for us .shortly . this is " perfect " - i see that u make this video at june-014 - and to day it's 017 - still gr8 . wish u having the best of times

[@elainenunes1578]

Thank you so much for making this video! It helped me so much.....

[@Dig.it.thadope1]

Thanks for this. Very very nice and easy!

[@TPain79lawguy]

Thank you - great video and great advice.

[@askrhonnie6356]

This is a great solution! You just saved me ton$$$

[@nemrahara3679]

Well thank you!!! Brilliant idea👍

[@Backyard_Gardener365]

You are the best, very good instructors

[@thecraftlanding3594]

Wish I would have watched this one first! Great advice after my initial failed attempt watching others! Btw love your hair!

[@ChristelleSey]

Really useful tutorial ! thank you a lot for that !

[@deniseherud]

Ty for this! I’m not a media-Queen so this all freaks me out🤷🏼‍♀️I was just gonna order a cheap light box on Amazon but they seem really small-I think this is perfect for my prod shots. Def gonna try this out! Ty for the photo tips too!!💐

[@zaidiabdelouadoud103]

Into my routine to be able to share and constantly improving and learning

[@fsc.creative]

Perfectly simple and so good!

[@DIYXYZ]

Thank you! 😊