Q&A for How to Create an Inexpensive Photography Lightbox

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  • Question
    Will white cotton work as well? How transparent should the fabric be?
    Community Answer
    Yes, this will work as long as it is not a heavy thread count. Hold it up to the light to see if it is bright white. Things that do not work include: Cheesecloth, taffeta, upholstery fabric and burlap. White silk is a good fabric to use.
  • Question
    Are special light bulbs needed? Don't want it to look yellow!
    Community Answer
    Just use white light bulbs.
  • Question
    Can I do it with white paper?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    Can parchment paper be used instead of cotton?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    Where can I buy white and black matte poster board from?
    Community Answer
    Target or Walmart probably has it in the craft section, or you could go to a craft store like Joann's, Michael's, etc.
  • Question
    My pictures are coming out yellow when I turn the lights on. I am using white bulbs in desk lamps on each side. The pictures look better without the lights on. Why?
    Joseph Hendren
    Community Answer
    This is likely due to the white balance settings on your camera not being adjusted to the light coming from your white bulbs. Turn the lamps on and adjust the settings in the camera until your photos look the way you want them to.
  • Question
    What wattage of bulb do I use?
    Community Answer
    Just try whatever you have -- maybe try even your phone's built-in flash light if you have a separate camera to take the picture.
  • Question
    I do not have white poster paper. Is there any other kind of paper I can use?
    Community Answer
    The reason for the poster board is that it is more difficult to crease. You could use large printer paper, as long as it's a bright white, but you might find it doesn't work as well as the poster board will, because it develops folds that will show up in your photographs. You can find poster board at Target or Michael's Crafts as well.
  • Question
    Can I use baking paper instead of tissue paper?
    Joseph Hendren
    Community Answer
    Baking paper is just another name for parchment paper, so it should work excellently for this project. Anything that lets light through while diffusing it should work.
  • Question
    I've read about light boxes and a lot of sites use tissue paper. Which is better, paper or material?
    Sarah
    Community Answer
    Both work, but paper may be easier to come by.
  • Question
    The object in the photograph is dark when I take a picture even with the correct lighting. How do I fix this?
    Joseph Hendren
    Community Answer
    This sounds like an issue with the exposure or ISO settings on your camera. Play around with your camera settings and keep taking practice shots until you achieve the desired look.
  • Question
    Would it be possible to use felt instead of poster board? I'm making one to photograph my crafts.
    Community Answer
    Sure, if you don't mind the difference in texture. It won't be as crisp or clear as with poster board, but if that's the look you're looking for, use felt.
  • Question
    Can I make a wooden box?
    Ethan O'Keefe
    Community Answer
    Cardboard is used here primarily because it is cheap and easy to work with. Almost any other solid material will work fine. Feel free to use anything in your home that could work just as well.
  • Question
    What material can I use other than poster board?
    Community Answer
    A large piece of printer paper will work. Alternatively, simply use some more of the material that you used on the sides, but iron it first.
  • Question
    Can I use the light from a cell phone's flashlight?
    Ethan O'Keefe
    Community Answer
    You can, as long as the light is not too centered, and effectively fills the material with a wide glow. You may need to add more layers of material to minimize any harshness that will show in the photo otherwise.
  • Question
    Does the box even work?
    Ethan O'Keefe
    Community Answer
    Yes. The box works to contain the light produced and minimizes shadow due to the casting glow in almost every corner. Not using a box may work, but shadows caused by the way in which the material is cast may show in the final product.
  • Question
    How long does it take?
    Joseph Hendren
    Community Answer
    It depends on how quickly you work! You could probably put together a photography lightbox in around 1 hour.
  • Question
    Could I use white freezer papper as the poster board?
    Joseph Hendren
    Community Answer
    You could, but your photos may not look as good if the paper lets too much of the cardboard color through. Freezer paper also has a wax coating which may reflect the light too much, which posterboard won't do.
  • Question
    What type of light bulbs are best to use in this lightbox?
    Ethan O'Keefe
    Community Answer
    It ultimately depends on what sort of effect you're going for. A cold, brighter light will eradicate almost every shadow in the box area, and heighten contrast and focal points. A soft, warm light, however, will produce a gentler effect, help blend colors, and provide a more effective color balance.
  • Question
    Can you use a phone to take the pictures?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can.
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