$7 Photo Box (Light Box / Studio)

This is a DIY light box that accomplishes professional-looking photos. Although this is very cheap and very simple, I feel the photos you get from it compare well to the results achieved from much more expensive commercial light boxes.

It works by doing two things:

• Diffuses (softens) your light source.
• Provides a bright wraparound surface for your item to reflect.

I made this light diffuser box because I wanted a way to take better pictures of the spoon rings I sell on Etsy, but you can use this for any object small enough to fit into the photo booth.

Here are the items you'll need:

• White plastic waste basket ($4 from Fred's Dollar Store)
• Small piece of glass * ($3.25 picture frame from Fred's Dollar Store)
• A light source ** (I used a cheap old clamp light and regular bulb)

* You only need the glass if you want a nice glossy, reflective surface beneath your item.
** As I show in the video, you don't have to have an artificial light - you can take your photo box outside.

Please watch the video for more details.



EDIT: Here is a link to my spoon rings:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/steadycraftin

EXTRA TIPS:

• If you want to take pictures of necklaces, just cut a slot or hole in the top to suspend the pendant from.
• If using an incandescent bulb, don't leave it against the plastic for too long, as it could melt the plastic. LED bulbs are cooler, safer, and more energy-efficient.