DIY Soft Box – Use What’s Around You
In this reader quick tip one of our forum readers Boscopix (see their Flickr account here) shares how they set up a great little soft box out of ordinary household objects. The results were pretty cool – enjoy!
Ok, this is for all of us that sometimes think you need that new gadget to get the perfect shot. Whether it be with lighting, reflecting, or set-ups, don’t be afraid to use things around your house if you don’t have all the special tools.
For an example, today I wanted to try out some “fruit in bubbly water” shots. Although I don’t have a nice soft box or a piece of glass for the bottom reflection, I think I managed to get what I was looking for by using things around the house.
Check out the set-up (don’t laugh):
Ok, to the left is my flash. Then as a diffuser I removed the cover on my reflector and shot through it. The cover of my reflector you will notice is balled up on the right to bounce light back on the glass.
Now for the reflection of the glass where it sits, I used a CD case to get that job done.
Probably the most unusual thing I did though, was used white cutting boards for the white behind the glass, well for two reasons…I didn’t have anything else around here that was plain white, and it’s too bloody cold to go searching around town for something in the snow!
So now for the result:
Not to shabby! Just a little cleaning up in Photoshop, and Wha-la!
So what are you waiting for? Get shooting!
Tags: DIY, lighting, Soft Box
66 Responses to “DIY Soft Box – Use What’s Around You” - Add Yours
May 5th, 2009 at 8:00 am
That is a great example of using what is around you to modify lighting. The results are fantastic.
Readers of this article may also find similar inspiration in a post by David Jackson who used kitchen utensils to modify light.
May 5th, 2009 at 8:08 am
Very nice, i like your approach.
May 5th, 2009 at 8:08 am
Love the shot. Think I’ll try that this evening. I’ve been wanting to try some of these myself. Guess it’s time to get going.
May 5th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Great set up! I’m always inspired by these diy solutions. (also, just fyi, it’s voilà – french for “there you are”)
May 5th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Thank you! Before I read this article, I was slightly embarrassed about doing this sort of things; it felt amateurish. Now its time to have some fun when I get home!
May 5th, 2009 at 8:41 am
I like this! Now to go find that many white cutting boards downstairs hehe
May 5th, 2009 at 8:52 am
That’s awesome. I know you told me not to laugh…but I did laugh. Then I laughed at myself for thinking I needed a softbox or anything else. Now I think I’ll pick up some cutting boards at Wal-Mart on the way home. Absolutely classic.
Thanks….
May 5th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Thank you SO MUCH for todays post. As a new photographer, I’m happy to learn new tips and tricks that can help me produce more professional looking images. I’m especially excited with the fact that this was all done with house hold items.
May 5th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Nice shot.
FYI: it’s “voila”, not “wha-la”.
May 5th, 2009 at 9:35 am
If you don’t already have some cutting boards lying around foam core boards are another great alternative. They work great since you can cut them to any size you want, also you can use some spray glue and cover once side in aluminum foil…
May 5th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Genius!!
May 5th, 2009 at 9:58 am
I’m gonna have to echo briar on the voila…nice job on the accent at the end…
I too tried that shot, and it went really well… i two straberry slices, and man what a shot! A few bubbles were clearly defined…and it went well… i used three 8.5 by 11 all purpose typing paper…wireless flash…and simply played with the angles of light…what a great idea… thank you so much Darren!
May 5th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Darren,
Fantastic post! I was looking for an alternative softbox for the price conscious… this is it! :)
May 5th, 2009 at 10:21 am
I’ve been getting great shots with a setup I made based on this approach:
http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-diy-10-macro-photo-studio.html
Best part, with the single sheet postboard there is very little need for post-processing. I picked up several different colors for some added flexibility.
May 5th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Creative and very cool idea! It goes to show that our creativity is only limited by our imagination…if you understand what I’m trying to say.
Scott
May 5th, 2009 at 10:30 am
And here’s another fantastic solution! I’ll have to try this one myself!
http://peterbryenton.typepad.com/intervallic/2007/03/bilora_boy.html
May 5th, 2009 at 11:17 am
wow, this is a very creative idea. i’ll try them later to see how it goes :) wish me luck!
May 5th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Here’s another good idea that uses a cheap collapsible laundry hamper: http://sodoityourself.com/the-ikea-hamper-light-tent/
May 5th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Haha, nice implementation! ^@^
May 5th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
I like this. I am in a rather remote location and do have the ability to just go down to the local camera shop or order anything online and expect a deliver in the next 5 months. What I have around me is all i have got.
As as for your comment, “and it’s too bloody cold to go searching around town for something in the snow!” I work at McMurdo Station a research facility in Antarctica…
May 5th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Nice shot, and thanks for sharing
I’ve seen a few of these diy posts now, using pieces of card and plumbing supplies for instance. But I’ve not seen chopping boards before, brings a whole new meaning to kitchen utensils.
I spend enough time in the kitchen already but now I will put it to good use and start seeing my kitchen contents in a whole new way.
Can’t wait to give it a go…
May 5th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Great shot!
I havent try this but not I am inspired. Could you share the EXIF details for this shot? Where did you meter for exposure?
May 5th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
I’ve used white cutting boards but don’t feel quite as silly about it now! I’m currently using foam boards spray painted for different backgrounds (and I left one white). Does the trick! I took a picture yesterday using the green foam board and the white as the back drop, you can see it here:
http://www.thewickednoodle.com/?p=1613
I’m definitely no pro (in fact I’m VERY new to photography which is why I’m on this site…lol!), but I’m having fun learning the ropes! Love this site!
May 5th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Amazing!
Please, more post like this. It is very interesting and it gives me a lot of ideas.
May 5th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
Great ideas. I always look in the kitchen before heading out for supplies. I’m always surprised by what useful stuff I find.
May 6th, 2009 at 12:11 am
Awesome work, I love these practical articles! On my own, I often feel limited due to lack of expensive gear, you remind me of what can be done without all the gadgets. Thank you.
May 6th, 2009 at 1:01 am
Great set-up but it would have been nice to hear a little bit about how this was captured. :-)
May 6th, 2009 at 2:14 am
Way to McGuyver it! Awesome! I’ll have to be more creative in teh future instead of thinking I can’t take a picture because I don’t have the pro equipment. Do the bubbles happen naturally, or did you have to do something to make that happen?
May 6th, 2009 at 2:53 am
The main reason I keep putting off making a DIY soft box is because I always feel like I don’t have good enough materials. Your setup puts my excuse to shame. Time to go building!
May 6th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I like the shot! You did a great job with just stuff from around the house. Thanks for sharing.
May 6th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
great idea using things around the house!!!!!
May 6th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
nice! but seriously……….a kiwi??! this would’ve been way cooler with a slice of lime and a mint leaf.
May 6th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
awesome idea, cannot wait to try it myself
May 6th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Even with professional equipment, photographing glass and water is not as easy to illuminate. I am surprised that you were able to achieve what you did with home made items. Great work!
May 7th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
That really is a good example of just what can be achieved with the stuff lying around at home. The only thing I’d say is that the white background has led to the edges of the glass being indistinct in some places (the lower right-hand curve, for example). Using some vertical strips of black card on the white chopping board behind the glass, out of shot and carefully positioned, would give the glass a dark edge to the reflection, making it jump right out from the white even more.
It’s still brilliant though..
Russ.
May 8th, 2009 at 12:35 am
This is realy great. I have tried it before but didnt like my result. Would try again when I get home.
May 8th, 2009 at 8:03 am
Beautiful! This is very similar to the DIY setup I use to photograph the jewelry my wife sells. I don’t even have a flash, I just use some window light and some bright white card stock to reflect light. Usually it’s propped up with salt/pepper shakers. Until I can save the money for some speedlights it’s a great way to go. After a little post-processing in Photoshop I’m all set.
May 8th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Great to see professional shooting without the advocacy for expensive gear. Show what can be done.
May 8th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I’ve used my white cutting board too, as well as a white ceramic platter. I love the idea of using the CD case. Thank you so much!
May 8th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Good idea. I have also used those cheap, opaque 50 litre storage containers you can buy at many places as a simple light box. With some sheets of coloured cardboard as a background you can do the lot for under $20.
May 8th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
very practical. beautiful result. were there any other sources of light before the shot was taken. what did you use to light this?
May 8th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
haha….who needs money…we’ve got a house…
May 8th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Great info for a fantastic image and you never had to leave the house! My kind of shoot many a day! Thank you.
Very refreshing composition. Would drink it if I had put it together for a shot. Thank you.
sarah
May 8th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
I love DIY tips!
Great pic too
Thanks for sharing
May 9th, 2009 at 3:58 am
BRAVO!!!!!!!
Thank you for sharing this. I am in awe with the results you got. I have spent all my money on my camera, so I need all the help I can get with cheap accessories/tools.
Thanks for such a practical tip.
May 9th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
beware…. not as easy as it looks!
ahaha i just tried it out and there are so many more factors than you expect.
little things like the glass getting condensation making the image look out of focus(took me a while to figure that one out) or the stupid kiwi floating up on its side. and right when u get it all right, the bubbles are gone! ahahaha
im Noob though, well done =]
May 11th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Oooh i’m gonna try this out! :p
May 13th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
I’m LOVING this!!! My husband’s in the process of designing my photography business website and we were talking about “artsy” pictures that aren’t your normal portrait shots… guess we’ll have to try this one tomorrow! If he can make me a ring light with ONE $20 power tool from scratch, I’m thinking we can set this up!!
I’m guessing a carbonated liquid (Sprite, sparkling water) was used for the extra bubbles… just an assumption, though…
And alas, there’s an excuse to use all of my son’s Strawberry Farm field trip strawberries!! (there’s only so much shortcake one can consume)
~Lauren
May 13th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Cool !!! what a great Idea
May 14th, 2009 at 5:21 am
Great tips. I have those white cutting boards; they’re handy. :)
But please, please, the word is pronounced “Voi-la”. With a V!
I don’t know why people started saying “Wah-la.” Aack!
(Sorry for the rant–just a little pet peeve. ;)
May 14th, 2009 at 6:40 am
Very creative and inspiring! Will keep an eye out around the house for cheap creative solutions.
May 14th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Oh man! I have been out of town in internet free land and I had no idea my post was on here!! Well, thanks everyone for reading it and I am so happy you liked it!!!
And I do apologize for my improper spelling of Voi-la, I am an absolutley horrible speller! Haha….either way, you knew what I meant ;o)
Thanks agiain everyone, and hope to see some of your “ghetto” set ups! hehe
Tonya
May 24th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
I’m new to DPS and this will be my first diy attempt at home. Thanks for sharing this tip.
June 3rd, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Man that´s amazing!!! that´s a great example of creativity and love for photography.
Congratulations!!!
June 5th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Yikes, get rid of all the side reflection, it is blowing out the definition between the background and the glass. The line certainly doesn’t have to be thick and black but there has to be something or else the glass falls into the background.
June 8th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
It looks amazing!!! Now I want to try this myself.
June 18th, 2009 at 3:06 am
Hi this is cool. I m an amateur photographer and I would like to try this but any idea how to flip the fruit vertically and the bubble effect?
June 20th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
I tried this yesterday…At first it didn’t look good at all, but I kept going, using different “modes” on my camera. The best one was “Children: Taking pictures of moving children in bright light” with flash. When I didn’t use flash, the lemon wouldn’t even show up. My table ended up a mess, but it was worth it: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8791404@N07/sets/72157619901030075/
Oh, and you don’t have to use the cd case if you don’t have one. Just “accidentally” spill a little water on the cutting board.
July 18th, 2009 at 4:26 am
Thanks for the demo. And it’s “Not too sahbby.” to/too/two there/they’re/their. Is it that complicated?
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:56 am
WoW! another proof for simple idea gives excellent result. Expecting much more idea like this from every one.
July 27th, 2009 at 8:37 am
Wow this is just fantastic!! Im soo going to try this, I even have exact same chopping boards!! :)
Thanks so much for sharing the idea
August 8th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Great Shot. What type of camera and what was the result before photoshop?
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:01 pm
LOVE it! Great job showing the shot before going into the explanation.. the shot looks professional- very clean, crisp, great lighting.. love the use of household items.. thanks for sharing!
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:13 pm
nice input there.
yeah photography should never be limited by gears.
kudos.
September 4th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Very creative, now off to raid the kitchen for the cutting boards.
October 3rd, 2009 at 5:18 pm
This is LOVELY. I was wondering may be you could upload the picture u’ve taken without the photoshop touch ups…
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