How to make your own lightbox and hanging window art

If you’re an artist, online seller or just someone with a crazy collection of vintage jewellery or bonsai plants that you want to show off, then a DIY lightbox/mini studio is a great way to capture top notch photos at home.

WATCH: How to make your own lightbox

The secret to a great photo is lighting – and you don’t need to be a pro to get it right. Whether you have an Etsy store or just want to up your Instagram game, a lightbox is the key. But you don’t have to spend big on equipment – all you really need is a cardboard box and a smartphone for a DIY mini studio to hone your styling and photography skills!

Gather your supplies

Square cardboard box
Tracing paper
White cardboard
Decorative items
Desk lamps
Phone and tripod

You'll also need

Cutting mat
Scissors
Utility knife
Steel rule
Double-sided sticky tape
Pegs
Lightweight balsa wood dowel (optional)

Here's how

Step 1

Cut off all 4 base flaps of box with scissors. Remove 2 top flaps on opposite sides, one with
a side piece attached.

Step 2

Use a utility knife to cut a square from the offcuts, measuring the same width as a box side but 20-30mm shorter.

Step 3

Lay the cut box flat and, using utility knife, cut windows in the 2 opposite sides with a 20mm border all around, leaving top flaps still attached.

Step 4

The 2 top flaps, which are now at the base of the lightbox, are folded out either side to provide stability and to leave the floor open for different backdrops.

Step 5

Cut 2 squares of tracing paper to fit box windows, with an extra 5-10mm all around, and attach on inside of box with double-sided tape. This paper will diffuse light coming in. The cardboard square from Step 2 can be used as a generic base for a piece of timber, fabric or similar.

Step 6

Cut out white cardboard to cover back and floor of the lightbox, infinity-wall style, and attach it with pegs. It’s ideal for a single object as there are no joins and you can focus on the item being shot. Add decorative items to lightbox, using the balsa dowel, if desired, across the top to suspend items such as foliage. Add lighting, set up your phone and tripod and then start snapping!