How To: Light Tent

[Bail]

A Inexpensive Light Tent
By: Jeffrey Bail
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If you’re like me, you don’t want to spend money if you can do it yourself and yield the same results. One day I was at my local photography store I saw one of these “Pop-Up” light tents. It consisted of a collapsible white fabric box with a hole in the front and 3 lights. I was going to purchase it until I saw the 100$ price tag. No way I am going to spend 100$ on some fabric and 3 lights when the material costs far less. So I set off and built one of these light tents and it did not come out bad at all.

Materials Needed:
1.) A Box – It could be any size you want as long as you can light it! I prefer it to be as square as can be. You can find boxes anywhere for free. I got mine from work in which they throw out anyway. You can also find boxes in the back of strip malls, grocery stores, appliance stores or basically any place that makes or sells products. Thicker the better! (Free)



http://www.jeffreybail.com/dps/tent/step1box.jpg

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2.) Fabric – This again could be any type. In my box I used white muslin fabric that is found at your local arts & craft store (In New England its Jo-Anne Fabrics or A.C Moore). Buy enough to cover the entire box. (4.00$ US or 1.99$ a yard) People suggested other fabrics like White Nylon and white fleece. If your extremely cheap and have some white under shirts laying around. Cut up the sides to where you have two halves of the shirt. If you use multiple shirts, be sure that the color matches or your end result may not turn out as you like it
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3.) Tape – I use tape to secure the fabric to the sides of the box. Reason being is that In-case you want to try out different fabrics. I use regular masking tape. (1.00$ US A Roll)

4.) Glue – You can use a “Glue Stick” (1.00$ US a Stick) or spray adhesive (5.00$ US per Can) to stick the lining in the box.

5.) White Bristol board – This will line the inside of the box and will also serve as your back round (.50$ a sheet X2). I would suggest to buy 2 or 3 sheets as you will be cutting up two to line your box (Could be more depending on the size of your box) and one for the back round. Bristol board is a heavyweight paper (.006” Thick) that is used in drawing/art. The name came from where it was originated, <st1:city w:st="on">Bristol</st1:city> <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1>England</st1></st1:country-region>. If you wanted a different back round you can also pick up different colors.

6.) Lights – You will need to light this box and this could be the most expensive part of the box unless you already have the lights. In my opinion lighting is the most important part of this box. Without it you will not get the picture you desire. I went to my local hardware store and picked up some “Daylight” Bulbs. Using regular light bulbs will cast a yellow light and should be avoided. I purchased “n:vision” 90 watt equivalent compact florescent bulbs (7.00$ US). Basically any “Full Spectrum” light bulbs will do.
Also suggest a lighting fixture. If you have a one of those desk work lamps, It will work fine. If you don’t I suggest getting a “Clamp On Work Light”. At my local home depot they only had two kinds, A smaller reflector dish (5”) for 5.99$ (US) or the 10.5” reflector for 11.99$ (US).
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7.) Miscellaneous Tools – Tape ruler, Ruler or any straight edge, scissors and knife


http://www.jeffreybail.com/dps/tent/supplies.jpg
* Box and cloth are missing



Now that you have the Materials I will show you out to make a light tent step by step. When your done you can take nice clean and crisp product shots.
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Step By Step Process:
Take your box with a tape ruler and marker and measure in 2” from the side of the box marking multiple points with your marker. When your done you will see your border, connect the points using your straight edge to where you should have a nice looking square/rectangle in the middle of the box with a 2” border around it. Leave the top and bottom of the box alone as you will not need to mark it

http://www.jeffreybail.com/dps/tent/step2measure.jpg
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Cut out the boxes you’ve drawn. Repeat that to the sides of the box where you have drawn the boxes. When you’re done, cut off the top of the box or remove the flaps on the top of the box. LEAVE THE BOTTOM INTACT!

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Now take your Bristol board and make lines with your marker for every two inches 16 times. Then proceed to cut out 16 strips with your scissors.
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Glue the paper strips into the box. Make sure the side with marker goes against the cardboard so it can not be seen.

http://www.jeffreybail.com/dps/tent/step3cut.jpg
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[Bail]

Take another piece of Bristol board and cut is so the width is the same as the inside of the box and the length is much longer then the box.
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Place the long piece of Bristol board into the box to where the piece curves to the bottom. Avoid creasing as it will show up in your photo. Cut off excess paper that is sticking out the top.

http://www.jeffreybail.com/dps/tent/step4line.jpg
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Cut your fabric to where it will cover the holes. Then cut a big piece to where it will cover the top of the box.
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Tape the fabric to cover the holes in the box except the one that is facing your background. Then tape the top piece on.

http://www.jeffreybail.com/dps/tent/step7complete.jpg
YOU’RE DONE!

Now all you got to do is light the top of the box and start snapping away!
http://www.jeffreybail.com/dps/tent/step8light.jpg

There are many variations you can do to get the photo you want. If you’re having a shadow problem I suggest lighting the other sides of the box. If you’re getting vignetting I suggest a lens hood or moving the lens more into the box. Photoshop could be a handy tool also! Since my lens and camera are not the cleanest I tend photoshop the dust that is sitting on or in my camera. I also adjust the levels so it’s brighter.
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[Bail]

http://www.jeffreybail.com/dps/tent/softboxresult2.jpg
Camera sticking into the box

http://www.jeffreybail.com/dps/tent/softboxresult.jpg
The Light box in action

http://www.jeffreybail.com/dps/tent/lindt.jpg
Another Result of the above light box

[Darren Rowse]

this is awesome Bail - this is going straight to the blog (http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent/)! Thanks for sharing this with us all. Great work.

It's on Digg Here (http://digg.com/gadgets/How_to_Make_a_Light_Box_for_DIY_Studio_Photography )

[Joshua Schroeder]

Tremendously helpful tip, and it costs next to nothing to set up. Thanks for sharing it!

[ab.bs]

This is awesome... I'm gonna give it a try soon.

[heliot]

Off to find a box now - this is great!:)

[Bail]

I am sad to announce that after this article was posted the "Lindt Gold Reindeer" was beheaded and was eaten by myself.

Thanks for the comments!

[KarrDesigns]

Well, I know what I'm doing on Monday! Thanks for the tip.

[jinxworld]

superb!
thx for this...

[KRIS]

very simple and easy to make. thnx, will make one today.
kris

[Gunsotsu]

Nicely done if not really similar to this (http://www.instructables.com/id/EKTSDWUR5HEP286OV2/?ALLSTEPS).

[Bail]

Nicely done if not really similar to this (http://www.instructables.com/id/EKTSDWUR5HEP286OV2/?ALLSTEPS).
Wowzers. That's very close.

After researching there are many variations.
http://www.creativepro.com/story/feature/19002.html
http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/light_box_light_tent
http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2006/04/make_your_own_light_tent.html
http://sodoityourself.com/the-ikea-hamper-light-tent/
http://home.comcast.net/~w.gunnell/tent.htm
http://exolucere.ca/articles/how-to-build-a-light-tent
http://www.eyefetch.com/tutorial-light-tent-101.aspx

Some use wood, some use PVC one is even just paper that you could build for around a dollar. One of the sites suggest a bed sheet which I never would have thought of.

I hope you guys can come up with your own and share it with us.

[Redrabbit]

Thanks for the idea. I have no use for this today but will make one for the day I do. Thanks again.

[Saralonde]

Bail, thanks so much for this. I love ideas that I can do and save me money, too. Nice of you to share and take the time to post this.

[Ilyanep]

That's amazing! I always wondered how these sorts of pictures were accomplished. Thanks for the tutorial.

[Bail]

It's funny how my flicker photo page went from 100 view to almost 700 in a couple of days. If it gets past 1000 In the next couple of days, I will buy a subscription.

Once again, Thanks! I know I am not the only one who did this but I hope you can come up with your own variation and share it with us on DPS.

[RandomConnections]

Bail - Great tutorial! Thanks also for finding those alternate plans. You inspired me to come up with my own setup.

I found a plastic file box with translucent sides that I figured would work well. I used the same type of light bulb you used with a utility lamp. I also purchased some cheap white crepe fabric for a total of $2, which I wound up not using. Basically, I lined the interior with some curved poster board, put the light on top, and shot away.

The setup is shown below, with a couple of examples...

<a title="lightbox setup" href="http://flickr.com/photos/93102487@N00/342958820" ><img src="http://static.flickr.com/161/342958820_85e159facb_m.jpg" border="0"/></a>

<a title="pool balls 1" href="http://flickr.com/photos/93102487@N00/343022742" ><img src="http://static.flickr.com/140/343022742_f609b61d3f_m.jpg" border="0"/></a>

<a title="hot wheels" href="http://flickr.com/photos/93102487@N00/343019974" ><img src="http://static.flickr.com/133/343019974_a48f18d323_m.jpg" border="0"/></a>

I'm going to have to tweak the lighting a bit, but overall I think it works well.

[EntityDesigns]

Dont forget the strobist version:
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-diy-10-macro-photo-studio.html

[henryscat]

Those guys on Digg need to stop being so anal about stupid wee things - Call it a "UFO flux capacitor" for all I care - it's still a great tip!
Will be making one in the near future.

[andy206uk]

Thanks for the tutorial - I've been after one of these for a while and since I'm so lazy it prompted me to go and buy one! (I got one of ebay for less than £20 including delivery and three extra background colours!).

[Mercurius]

Built one last night and I'm already loving it. It was a bit of an adventure driving to various craft/fabric stores trying to find white muslin and trying to explain what I was using it for. :)

One question about light bulbs: How many watts/lumens are necessary for good lighting? My box is 22x22x28, and I just bought a 40W Daylight CFL rated at around 630 lumens at 6500K. Will that be enough, or should I get something brighter?

[Bail]

One question about light bulbs: How many watts/lumens are necessary for good lighting? My box is 22x22x28, and I just bought a 40W Daylight CFL rated at around 630 lumens at 6500K. Will that be enough, or should I get something brighter?

This is what I got
http://www.jeffreybail.com/dps/bulb1.jpg

http://www.jeffreybail.com/dps/bulb2.jpg

As long as they are "Day Light" Bulbs you should be okay. I got mine at a home depot.

Will they do? Find out! Take some test shots. If the box is too big for one light all you have to do is light the other sides. My box was 15X14X15"


FYI, the fabric does not have to be exactly muslin. Just has to be white and allow light to pass through. Some fabrics spread (Diffuse) light better than others. I am going back to the fabric store friday to see if they have any White nylon. I want to see the difference.

[bugdog]

This is brilliant and you have taken the time and effort
to explain it so well.
Thankyou

[rachel_r]

Great job Bail! I, too, have made my own homemade light box. Don't use it very often though.

I used one of those miniature collapsible mesh hampers you can find at WalMart - they often show kids toys inside them. I cut all the fabric off (it was brightly colored) and sewed my own coverings with white fabric. I realize most people don't sew much so your solution is really great for those who wouldn't normally sew.

I light mine from above and on both sides usually. I need to play with it more. Maybe I'll post some pics of it sometime.

[property#1]

Bail, after seeing your post on the diy light tent I went right to work. It took me a little longer as I have a severly broken leg with a cast from to to hip and movement is slow at best. But, finished it and the results can be seen at the following http://www.flickr.com/photos/manager_2000/. Thanks and now to search the house for more items that will fit inside the tent/box.

Ron

[mdwsta4]

made something similar a few weeks back. need to play with it more and i just got a new flash to use as a second source of light.

first test
http://images14.fotki.com/v377/photos/5/51621/4246906/shuffle-vi.jpg


http://images19.fotki.com/v381/photos/5/51621/4246906/k790-vi.jpg

[loosestring]

A selection from my first light tent shoot.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/caddmonkey/357766951/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/160/357766951_830de8654d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Brown Egg" /></a>

[Saralonde]

Well, I built a box following your directions. It's not too pretty, that's why I'm not posting a pic of it here.:D But here are some of my first shots using it.
Needed to adjust the lighting because of the shadow on this one:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23733128@N00/358528794/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/147/358528794_2130c82a89.jpg" width="480" height="343" alt="Softbox daisy" /></a>
With my 50mm 1.4:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23733128@N00/358528809/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/76/358528809_bbdd56606f.jpg" width="480" height="440" alt="Softbox daisy close-up" /></a>
With my 100mm macro:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23733128@N00/358528899/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/134/358528899_0d3ae24a91.jpg" width="480" height="320" alt="Water droplet daisy" /></a>

Having fun using this while our weather is cold, rainy and gray outside.

[morgy]

wow, this is simply amazing. and exactly what i needed!!
thx for that! :)

since I love crafting it's a piece of cake!! and fun to make :D

--edit--
couldn't help myself not showing you how my "light tent" is going. hehe :D
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23spaces/359333386/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/142/359333386_bf1d3ff926_o.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="box" /></a>

sorry for the crappy quality. i just took that photo in a hurry to upload it.
i can't wait to finish it and start using it properly!

[mikeboy]

This is weet, I built my own, and it rules! I dont have a light to shine inside yet, but Im using reflected sunlight, and the come our very nicely, here is one form my reviews.

http://latinforo.net/forum/style_images/reviews/razer/diamondback/IMAGES/detail.jpg
This pic was without the white cloth, Im using not musselin but the nilon that is used for making bed sheets.

[NaturesPixel]

my first attemps at a light tent ... i have used the dodge tool set on hightlights @ 2 - 17% to make the white white...lol

http://static.flickr.com/145/366891443_772c4c30b3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/naturespixel/366891443/)

http://static.flickr.com/165/366891501_14ad695b6a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/naturespixel/366891501/)

[mikeboy]

nice work naturespixel Really good, what lighting are you using?

[Sergio]

I will definitely try this, thanks a lot!

[skyman8]

I build one today :) tried to take some photos and they came out just fine. But my lighting isn't good. What kind of bulbs do you suggest? I was thinking of 2 reflector cases and two halogen 150W bulbs with a color temperature of 5600K. One for each side of my lightbox. What do you think?
This is what I got today ;)
<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/2045/kovancifs1.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /></a>

[NaturesPixel]

nice work naturespixel Really good, what lighting are you using?


all i am using are 2 compact fluros from walmart... in 2 desk lamps from the same place.. they are Daylight Cool, 6500k so i do have to set my white balance manually.. and i also shoot in RAW so i have maximum to play with also just my built in flash.. i also set that manually, plus cause my room i have my light tent set up in is battleship grey/blue./.. i have alfoil stuck to the walls to help with the blue tinge.. plus it directs the light back into tent.. as I'm in a corner :)

[rpoffenberger]

I still have to run out and get proper lights, but it was still fun to play with. Some shots from today:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/robinp595/371062247/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/147/371062247_24f05faa4f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_05300" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/robinp595/371062241/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/371062241_bcf3d2b0e4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_05260" /></a>

[ready123smile]

Thanks Bail for sharing this different version of softbox. I made one from the Strobist site but yours looks much stronger and neat. I will try the daylight bulbs from homedepot.

[Bail]

Your welcome..
I should use mine more often as it's 10 Degrees up here. Don't want to bring the camera outside.

[Murtasma]

Personally the tutorial is excellent and a great box if your not sure you like light boxes however with the hassel of finding the right sized box, materials and constuction along with having a cardboard box that would fall apart after you attempt to move it a few times I decided to get a real light tent for 40 bucks a much much much better value. You can also use water inside a light tent with out fear of runing the back drops. They also come with multiple back drops the list goes on and on. However the cardboard box would be a good alternative if you need a larger light box but for a small 2 x 2 spend the 40 bucks and get a real light tent. It also comes with a a velco white cover for the front you can stick your lens in a slot and front light the subject as well. You can collaspe it into the size of a frisbee and set it up again in 5 seconds

[rteneos]

Hi
Thank you for the tip
I've made my Light Tent and I would like to show it to you.
How can I make it?

Can I send the pictures to somebody?

Regards

Roberto O. Teneos Gutierrez
Porto Alegre - Brasil

[Saralonde]

It's easy to post your pictures here. Click on the FAQ in the blue bar at the top of this page and follow the directions for posting images. If you are still having trouble, just ask for help. We'd love to see your light tent!

[rteneos]

Hi Guys
Now I'l show you my Light Tent.
Everybody knows that a good picture say more than thousand words.
So I wil not talk to much here.
Next Message I show you pictures I got with it.

Roberto O. Teneos Gutierrez
Porto Alegre - Brasil

[rteneos]

And now
The Pictures I got with my Light Tent.

Thank you all for help me!

Regards!

Roberto Onofre Teneos Gutierrez
Porto Alegre - Brasil

[Saralonde]

Very nice, Roberto! Your shots turned out really well.

[Bail]

Very nice! Great job...
I like the braces you put in the back to support the bristol board.
I would have never thought of that.

Pictures came out great as well.

[Nieton21]

I can't wait to try this...really great steps

[Bail]

Ty.

A Shameless plug. I've built a different kind of light tent that can fold up so you don't have a box lying around.

http://www.jpgmag.com/stories/458

[nyrfan44]

Thanks for the tip..

Could I use and old cotton white bed sheet instead of the other fabric...

[Bail]

Thanks for the tip..

Could I use and old cotton white bed sheet instead of the other fabric...

You could.

[Jack]

Light tents are definately great. I sell items on Ebay and have been using the concept and practices of a light tent for over a year now. You have tremendous control over lighting and shadows. You can make almost any object pop to attention with no background to distract the eye. Below is a sample from my homemade tent. I also included a photo of the tent itself. Almost all my materials came from Lowes Home Improvement with exception of the fabric. The fabric was purchased from a neighborhood foam and fabric outlet. The lights are the same NVision bulbs mentioned earlier in the post. They too can be purchased at Lowes. Total expense of materials was around $25.00. Of course, you have to have some tools to complete the project. I utilized a Dremel, staple gun, t-square and a miter saw.

My box doesn't collapse like Bail's (I wish it could). However, it is sturdy enough to support the weight of clamp lights on its own. The picture below is my third attempt at a light tent. I first started out with a cardboard box. I moved on to a structure made from foam board. Now its simple wood frame. I removed the top portion of fabric to allow you to see to the back of the frame. I will be building a fourth model soon that is slightly larger. I am thinking about documenting the process to post on my site and maybe here.
<center>
<a href="http://www.jackscolon.com/dps/lightbox_object_1000x750.jpg">
<img src="http://www.jackscolon.com/dps/lightbox_object_500x375.jpg" width="500" height="375" border="1">
</a>
<a href="http://www.jackscolon.com/dps/lightbox_box_1000x750.jpg">
<img src="http://www.jackscolon.com/dps/lightbox_box_500x375.jpg" width="500" height="375" border="1">
</a>
</center>

[GefaStone]

Thanks for the tips on creating a light tent. I've assembled my own and have played around with it quite a bit.

One thing I've noticed is that, even though I'm shooting on a white background with full spectrum lights, and exposing my shots properly, I'm ending up with light gray backgrounds instead of pure white.

I know you can always take care of the background in post, but I was just wondering if anyone else had noticed this in their own shots and if/how it was remedied.

http://www.boboswell.com/pics/14_carrot_daquari.jpg

[Jack]

Gefastone -
I experience the same issue with my shots. The photo I posted above of the camera lens has had no post processing. The background is definately gray...almost blue.
I understand the lights have alot to do with it. The cheap Nvision bulbs I purchase put off a slight blue hue. They are rated 5400k. I did some research and learned that you can purchase 'real' 5000k or higher white lights from photography supply stores and online. These bulbs are usually more expensive, generate heat and require ceramic lamp bases. The ones I considered purchasing were tungsten types that were 500w.
Personally, I work around the issue in two ways. The first is using more lights. The more light you can add to the subject, the whiter the background will become. I almost always put one or two lights on the background itself.
Second, I do a few standard post processing techniques.
1. Adjust color balance or white balance.
2. Increase contrast and brightness. I usually bump up the contrast to the point where most of the background appears pure white. Then, I increase the brightness to make certain the subject is still clearly visible.
3. Sometimes, I will 'cheat' by using the fill tool to turn the background white. This is easy if the subject has well defined edges.

Results of post processing of the camera lens from above:
<center>
<a href="http://www.jackscolon.com/dps/lightbox_objectpostprocessing_1000x750.jpg">
<img src="http://www.jackscolon.com/dps/lightbox_objectpostprocessing_500x375.jpg" width="500" height="375" border="1">
</a>
</center>

What do others do to compensate for the background issue mentioned by Gefastone?
Does anyone have any suggestions for low-priced & low-heat bulbs? Perhaps an online supplier?

[rdaw]

I'll add my frustration to the chorus - after getting yellow, blue and grey backgrounds, I always fix things in post. But then, I'm using a homemade light box, and halogen worklights. I also usually try and get one light on the background itself, and play with reflectors (extra pieces of cardboard backdrop) until I get something that looks reasonable. Usually by the time I'm ready to take the pics, my worklights are reaching a temperature closely resembling that of the surface of the sun....

[Bail]

I use a gray card and fix it in post. That and I stick the camera into the box.
A Macro/Wide lens help

[Bail]

I'll add my frustration to the chorus - after getting yellow, blue and grey backgrounds, I always fix things in post. But then, I'm using a homemade light box, and halogen worklights. I also usually try and get one light on the background itself, and play with reflectors (extra pieces of cardboard backdrop) until I get something that looks reasonable. Usually by the time I'm ready to take the pics, my worklights are reaching a temperature closely resembling that of the surface of the sun....

That's why I stay away from Halogens just because of the heat. Since I use "Wedding Dress" White Nylon, I stick with compact florescent bulbs.

[sjraza]

I have just bought a Canon Powershot S5 IS and I am planning to take close-up photos of jewellery items. I will be making the light box.

Do you think a white background will do fine? What lighting should I use? Is normal table lamp do fine?

What settings do I use on the camera?

[sjraza]

I am trying to make 2" strips as suggested in the article (Step D)
"Glue the paper strips into the box. Make sure the side with marker goes against the cardboard so it can not be seen". I am not sure where to put the 2" strips. Thank you.

[mhuk05]

I made and used a DIY lightbox today, using 2 table lamps and a kitchen unit halogen light for illumination. My "background" is a bit grey (it's actually a sheet of window frosting) so I adjusted the white level in PhotoShop.

Are the results any good?

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mhuk/2022026222/" title="XDA Orbit by ukespresso, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2356/2022026222_77ca422a9d_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="XDA Orbit" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mhuk/2022033396/" title="Accurist by ukespresso, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2337/2022033396_4ce23c9661_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Accurist" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mhuk/2021236313/" title="Ouzo by ukespresso, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2241/2021236313_bd073f5852_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="Ouzo" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mhuk/2021226493/" title="Apple by ukespresso, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2003/2021226493_6b2bb7e6d1_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="Apple" /></a>

I think some subjects definetly need a coloured background.

[filemanager]

Bail - Great tutorial! Thanks also for finding those alternate plans. You inspired me to come up with my own setup.

I found a plastic file box with translucent sides that I figured would work well. I used the same type of light bulb you used with a utility lamp. I also purchased some cheap white crepe fabric for a total of $2, which I wound up not using. Basically, I lined the interior with some curved poster board, put the light on top, and shot away.

The setup is shown below, with a couple of examples...

<a title="lightbox setup" href="http://flickr.com/photos/93102487@N00/342958820" ><img src="http://static.flickr.com/161/342958820_85e159facb_m.jpg" border="0"/></a>

<a title="pool balls 1" href="http://flickr.com/photos/93102487@N00/343022742" ><img src="http://static.flickr.com/140/343022742_f609b61d3f_m.jpg" border="0"/></a>

<a title="hot wheels" href="http://flickr.com/photos/93102487@N00/343019974" ><img src="http://static.flickr.com/133/343019974_a48f18d323_m.jpg" border="0"/></a>

I'm going to have to tweak the lighting a bit, but overall I think it works well.

This is what I'm using as well - but I can't seem to get the lighting right, so I don't use lighting at all! I just use the ambient light and a longer exposure.

[merkuri2]

I thought this was a great idea so set off to the local DIY Home Depot and got waylaid by my insistence on improving upon the final product! I HAD to make mine out of foamcore, then, of course, HAD to make it collapsible/storable by making it in panels with velcro fastners, then HAD to get the ghetto lighting, plus concrete for the "sticks in cans light trees" along with the work lights and 5500 degree kelvin daylight light bulbs...you get the picture. All in all, I ended up checking out of Home Depot with $216.00. in supplies for my "free" light tent! Had fun for the weekend though, and am determined to use my "free tent" until I have earned at least $216.!! :D

Gerry

[Bail]

It wasn't really designed to be the Ultimate in light boxes. If I were to go that route I would have constructed it out T6-6061 Aluminum with the lights enclosed as one unit. I would have also used a bellows around my lens and door so no outside light would creep in. It was designed for those who are looking at cost over quailty. If I wanted Top notch quality then I would have spent the hundreds of dollars on the real thing.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2190/2287186540_d86c7a141e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bail/2287186540/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/241/444589951_e3f42831c7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bail/444589951/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/444589961_b9085c5ffc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bail/444589961/)

Not bad for a box made out of coat hangers, Nylon and "Ghetto Lighting"
As per my collapsible tent
http://www.jpgmag.com/stories/458

[CallampaPhotography]

wow so my new assignment at work has me photographying all of our top products for our website. I created this little guy out of a need to get the flash from coming out in the pictures. I didnt even really know what i was doing, i didnt know it was a actual technique. im happy i came across this post cause now i am gonna biult a new and improved light tent.
here a link to my ghetto light tent and some of the pictures i got out of it.

http://flickr.com/photos/callampa/sets/72157606750369156/

i made it out of some recycled printer paper, a few anti static bags and a magnifying lamp.

[kencaleno]

Light tents are a waste of time-all you need is a window on the opposite side of the house from direct sun(or cover a window with a plain shower curtain to diffuse) and a reflector(white card) or two,and,of course a table to shoot on-These were shot on any background like this:

Photograph your object using any background, Then:

a) Zoom in 200-300%.
b) Use the pen selection tool to chart an exact path around the object.
Get it perfect.
c) Click on working path Icon in paths palette
d) Select> Modify> Contract by 2 pixels. Smooth by 3-5 pixels.
e) Select> Inverse-.
f) Select> Feather by 0.2 - 0.5 pixels.
g) Make sure foreground black/background white - Press Delete.
You now have isolated object on white background.

Regards, Ken

[Cuchulainn]

Nice! I built one out of PVC pipe, but that look a heck of a lot easier. Not to mention the PVC cement is really foul!

[stefanie_s]

I built mine from PVC, too. I like that the legs come off and it flattens down to take up almost no room when not in use. It was really cheap to make and has gotten a lot of use with little, to no wear or tear.

[Fremen]

Large light box.

I am in need to do light box images with large objects that are long as well.

Any suggestions would be welcomed.

I already have a good one for small items (Example below, hand held 13th of a second)
http://aframeoflight.com/CGN/Pic%20Post/DSC_9910.JPG

[anagr]

... You can collaspe it into the size of a frisbee and set it up again in 5 seconds

Maybe you, definitely not me! I've got one of these, and I have never been able to collapse it back again once opened for the first time! Perhaps I should try 150 times more...

It's rainy in Huesca today, so I think I'm going for Bail's box. Thank you Bail for a great tutorial.

[genry]

Ahahahahha!
That's deadly! Thank you! :)

[PRH]

Light tents are a waste of time-all you need is a window on the opposite side of the house from direct sun(or cover a window with a plain shower curtain to diffuse) and a reflector(white card) or two,and,of course a table to shoot on-

I agree with most of what your saying and I love using this technique (I use cheap white polyester over my window). There are many instances where a light tent is required. eg if you are shooting at night or your studio is in a basement because your partner won't let you use the best rooms in the house :p. Even so, this looks like a fun project that won't cost much for those who love making things.

[kencaleno]

Contrary to popular belief, A light tent will give you problems-Thay are very difficult to light properly and are very limiting-all I do is place an item on my dinig table, and use daylight from an adjacent window-then ten minutes in photoshop-all done. regards, Ken

[vandergus]

then ten minutes in photoshop-all done

10 Minutes per image seems like a lot of time, especially if it's something you're doing regularly. You take 6 images and your post-processing for an hour, yikes.

[deviantangelphotography]

Thanks for posting this....little did I know that I wouldn't have been able to accomplish a very important task without it a couple days later. Mine didn't turn out so well unfortunately though....oh well, I have lots of time to fix it...someday :rolleyes: Here's my question. Anyone have a better solution to blocking the camera from a reflective surface other than a piece of cardstock with a hole in it? I had mine taped to my camera, then to my hands, then just down on the bottom of the light tent.....being glad to be finished with it is an understatement. I have very reflective surfaces that I'm working with, and I HAVE to keep my camera covered or else it doesn't work. Anyone feeling the same misery as I am????

[kencaleno]

Thanks for posting this....little did I know that I wouldn't have been able to accomplish a very important task without it a couple days later. Mine didn't turn out so well unfortunately though....oh well, I have lots of time to fix it...someday :rolleyes: Here's my question. Anyone have a better solution to blocking the camera from a reflective surface other than a piece of cardstock with a hole in it? I had mine taped to my camera, then to my hands, then just down on the bottom of the light tent.....being glad to be finished with it is an understatement. I have very reflective surfaces that I'm working with, and I HAVE to keep my camera covered or else it doesn't work. Anyone feeling the same misery as I am????


surround your reflective item(s) with black card or cloth with hole for lens, light from above through a scrim(diffuser). Regards, Ken

[Diana Eugenia]

Hey, this is actually a very good tutorial, I think I need better lights, but in general works very well. I have some problemes with a small shadow.

here one of my results.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3009/3027613228_e38e2c944d_b.jpg