DIY Lightbox Tutorial

Are you ready to take AWESOME photos, even if you have an inexpensive camera?  Well, get ready!!

Since I started crocheting at the end of January, I've noticed some blogs have amazing photos with great color and stark white backgrounds.   I just assumed that must be professional equipment but found out one can make their own lightbox for next to nothing!

LUCKY for me, I am married to a very meticulous amazing ENGINEER.......they are always known for their attention to detail and although their work often takes 10 times longer than someone else (inside engineer joke!), you can't beat the end product.  (You should check out what I call the "forensic vacuuming" my guy can accomplish when he feels like it!)

You will need the following:

Cardboard box

Box cutters

Muslin fabric or tissue paper

Glue gun and glue stick

3 Lights

Poster board or Bristol Paper (found ours at Michael's)

Tape

 1.  Cut out the top of the box, leaving a "picture frame" edge to attach the muslin or tissue paper.

 2.  Cut out 2 of the sides.

3.  Cut out the front on 3 edges,  leaving one side attached (so it can lay down in front, as shown).

4.  Glue or tape muslin fabric (or tissue paper) on the open sides except for the front.

5.  Put the poster board or Bristol board inside, going up the back.  We first used regular ol' poster board, but it looked cream in the photos, so we switched to the Bristol board, found at Michael's or any store that sells painting supplies.

6.  Now add the 3 lights.......my husband elevated my entire lightbox so I can take my own photos (I cannot bend, lift or twist).....so the top light was able to be hung from the dining room light fixture.

Yes, this is an ottoman on our dining table.  lol

 I needed a mannequin head for my crochet hats and saw them online for around $6-9.  But we went to a local wig store and found this one for $3.99.  Perfect!
   

Hubby says we are currently using 75 watt bulbs and he wants to change them to 100 watt.   Meanwhile, check out the quality of the photos!!

BEFORE

AFTER

Isn't that awesome?????  I am SO happy!!!!  My only problem is.....where to put this lightbox??  At the rate I am creating crochet products.........I need it to stay out.  lol  I am hoping to sell things in a few months......and these photos will look great.  If you look on Etsy.com, there are some great sellers but their photos are blah.....whereas newer sellers with great photos are making the sales.  Makes a huge difference!

Hope you enjoyed this DIY Light Box Tutorial!! 

I totally forgot to add what camera I am using.....you might be surprised............it is a 

Sony Cybershot!!

No fancy schmancy camera for this girl.  Frugal here!!  And the CAMERA photo was taken by my Iphone 4.  Can you even believe the effects of the light box??????  Gotta get one, people!!

I may be linking to THESE parties.