Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Craft

How to make your own lightbox

Create your own photographic artwork! - by Juliet Love
  • 17 Dec 2021

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

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

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

Step 3

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!

the final

The final results.

You might also like:

How to make timber bead coasters and matching trivet

How to make a handled vase

  • Decorating
  • Craft
  • TV
Juliet Love
Juliet Love

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How to make textured art

How to make textured art

How to make bath salts and lip balm

How to make bath salts and lip balm

How to make timber bead coasters and trivet

How to make timber bead coasters and trivet

How to make your own hanging photo artworks

How to make your own hanging photo artworks

{headline}

{headline}

How to make a handled vase

How to make a handled vase

How to create the perfect shelfie

How to create the perfect shelfie

How to style cushions on a couch

How to style cushions on a couch

{headline}

{headline}

How to turn an old desk into a stylish side table

How to turn an old desk into a stylish side table

How to update your family room on a budget

How to update your family room on a budget

DIY roll-out island bench

DIY roll-out island bench

How to crochet a tote bag

How to crochet a tote bag

How to knit a bright and colourful baby blanket

How to knit a bright and colourful baby blanket

Juliet gives a spare room a beautiful makeover

Juliet gives a spare room a beautiful makeover

How to press flowers

How to press flowers

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription