Photography light boxes are used to diffuse light and create even lighting when photographing subjects. Light boxes can be large or small, depending on what is being photographed. The most common use for light boxes is macro, or close-up, photography. To make a tabletop DIY light box, use PVC pipe and white fabric for durability. The dimensions for this light box are based on Bill Huber's Light Box/Light Tent pattern at Pbase.
Instructions
1. Cut PVC pipe to desired size. PVC is sold in long lengths and must be cut down before assembling the light box. A PVC cutter is the easiest way to cut it to size, but a hacksaw can also be used.
2. Attach T-connectors to each end of both 16-inch PVC pipes. The pipe should be inserted into the perpendicular opening, or the "base" of each T. You will have two lengths of pipe that look like a capital "I."
3. Insert one end of each 23-inch PVC pipe into each T-connector. You're creating a rectangle. The 23-inch pipes form the long sides of the rectangle. The 16-inch pipes are the short ends.
4. Put the square aside and attach a PVC street elbow onto the end of each of the four 14-inch pipes to form the legs of your do-it-yourself lightbox.
5. Place the end of a street elbow into each empty T-connector on the square. Glue the street elbow in if necessary. You've now attached the legs to the frame.
6. Flip the lightbox over so it stands on its legs.
7. Drape a white sheet or sheer fabric over the frame to diffuse light.
8. Shine desk lamps from the outside, through the sheet, onto the object inside.
9. Optional: Tape poster board or solid colored wrapping paper to the back side of the frame to create a smooth background for photographing objects.
Tags: street elbow, 16-inch pipes, diffuse light, into each, pipes form