How To Build A Photo Light Box For Less Than $10 

Never cut toward yourself. Always cut toward a friend.

Thank you so much for sharing this! Can't wait to make my own and start shooting!

Bravo. This is by far the best home made light box I've seen on RU-vid. Easy to make, easier to use, and looks like it provides better results.

I was able to make this with various supplies in my college dorm room. I already had three lamps, though the light wasn't flourescent, the photos turned out well. I also already had the same size box (we use them for on-campus storage). Three pieces of white artists paper from a drawing class later, I had a great light box! Thanks so much! I'm working on a project in college where we have to identify a massive collection of shells to their genus and give a presentation on our findings. Most kids are just bringing the box of shells and pointing to each, but with this video, I've been able to take really professional photos for a slideshow presentation. Thanks so much!

Thank you for posting this. Starting a new, small business is expensive so any help with great tips is really appreciated.

Thank you for posting this! I went to the fabric store here in Kāneʻohe, HI and spent $4 on fabric and scrounged around our workshop for other materials and the photos came out perfect! Much mahalo for sharing your ideas!!

Years ago, but still the simplest DIY LB I've seen yet! Thank you!

When I looked around for a bit this was hands down the most informative video ive found and I cannot thank you enough. My original rig cost 0$ old A/C white sheet for diffusion and lamps with the shades taken off, oh and printer paper for my background. I was shooting watches and it did the trick nicely. I did go to Walmart and bought 1 extra lamp, some new bulbs a big whit poster board and some wrapping tissue for the diffusion. Thanks so much again! you have inspired my passions in photography

Best light box video on RU-vid, well made, thank you, we'll make one now.

Great Video. People who complain on here have issues because they can not follow simple instructions. I just picked up all of the parts needed for the box, EXACTLY as you described. The Box was $1.88 at Lowes. I got the interfacing at Joan's, 1-1/2 yard for $3.84 (with a hobby lobby coupon) and then the poster board as $1 for two sheets at the Dollar Tree. That's a whopping $6.72 to build the box. See people missed the title of this video "How To Build A Photo Light Box For Less Than $10", you never mention buying lights in the cost of building the box. SO THANK YOU for this video, and the easy to follow, for most people, instructions.

Great tips! I have a blog and make cards and have the toughest time getting consistent lighting in my house. Love this idea!

Here it is 4 years after this video was made. Just went to Walmart and got the supplies. Yes, a little more expensive now, but still in the "price range" for what I wanted. Instead of clip-on lights, I bought just desk lights ($7.97 each) so it makes them a bit more portable and you can still bend and position them. I put the box on top of my chest freezer and put a light on both sides. It works fantastic!! Happy!

So glad these videos are still online....because I need them badly! Thanks so much for posting this.

Better late than never, but I did it, following your terrific video! It all cost me $17 at Walmart (but that's because I didn't have any lamps or fluorescent bulbs and couldn't find a good box around the house). Turned out perfectly. Thank you, thank you for this - I've been REALLY struggling with my pictures and spending hours editing them. You're a lifesaver! :)

Thank you so very much. I was just looking for the best, most inexpensive, light box kit to order online when I came across your video. You just saved me quite a bit of money!

Thanks for the tut! Summation: for supplies (prices subject to vary / change) ... 1 box @ 18" x 18" x 24", Interfacing fabric (1.5 yards), clean bright white poster board, scissors, box cutter, packing tape, pencil (pen or marker), 2-3 clamp lites [I already have 2 LED battery operated camping lanterns - so I can go remotely] and straight edge (unless you like wonky lines). Alternatives: I would draw the lines first (including a small square for top shooting or more light), assemble, then cut the box and add the fabric and poster board. I will also be modifying so this will store flat and reassemble easily for on location shoots.

Best instructional video. Straight to the point no rambling thank you

I went to the thrift store and found clip lamps. Look around for your items! Big lots even has them for cheap.

You have the best video on creating a light box. Straight to the point and helpful. Thank you so much!!!!!

I freaking LOVE this. Thanks a ton for making this. It's so straight to the point to. Perfect!

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Good Job.

Wow great video! I used to work for a company that spent a lot of money for photography for our products. Wow this is great! Now it's affordable for new small entrepreneurs like myself. Thank you so much!

Great tutorial! Thank you. Very helpful. Some things I did differently: I cut out the top panel so I could have a butterfly clip on top to hold the poster board. That way, I can switch out different colored poster boards. I also added an extension to the cut out panel of the top, so I can rest it on top without it falling through.

This is one of the best tutorials I have seen. Short and to the point, and very creative and useful. Thank you!!!!

Thanks for the instructions! My imagination is kinda limited in some ways and this really helped me out in taking pictures of the things I have to sell. I deal with new iPhones a lot and good pictures that show the smooth surface and rich metallic colors are incredibly important. This DEFINITELY beats sunlight and a sheet. 10/10

Good info. I would use daylight bal. bulbs (5500K) and also by adding another piece of diffusion between the light source and the fabric on the box will make it more like a softbox. Also, by having a black/white fabric over the front, with a hole for your lens, will help too.

YOU are SOOOO Smart!!! Great Idea. Thank YOU for sharing this.

Well, of the half dozen tutorials on the subject, yours was the best. Thank you.

Thank you for this video!! Awesome idea for my Etsy shop!!

JUST what I was looking for! Although the price is off...majorly, the concept is spot on for what I was looking for. Thank you!

I did something similar this morning but I made a light soft box same way with a cardboard box and cut out a square on one side taped white paper on the inside and across the cut out. Sealed it shut and cut out a hole at the top for my led light block. Attached two zip ties and hung ir above where I take my photos to have soft light from above. Works a treat for product photography, I don't have alight box I just tape up some white wallpaper and when it's dirty replace it with a new strip. I have a ring light at the front with a diffuser and I have ordered reflectors for the sides. know I should have made them!

Thanks for the idea. Negative comments below are not called for. At least now I know what to do and what to look for. I'm sure I can find a box for free. two sheets of tissue can be used in place of the fabric. The only cost I foresee is the white sheet and one more lamp! So thank you for showing me your idea.

Thanks, brilliant, I followed your instructions and had everything on hand, an hour later I was shooting product. Perfect video.

Thank you for your clear, simple and complete tutorial. I'll prepare one at home and then will be able to make good pictures of my Lego collection.

Love your work. I need a lightbox fast for this weekend but couldn't get one delivered in time and even if I did it would of cost me at least $100! Now I'm excited to make my own :)

This is brilliant and so easy to make. I sell shoes online ebay and always wanted to a light box. Gonna make this tomorrow. Many thanks for the up-load.

Needs some front lighting though - the front of that vase is too dark. I’d put white board on the inside of those front flaps, make a round opening for my camera (on a tripod, with a zoom lens), close the flaps, and shoot through the ‘port’ - the reflected light on the front will be just right.

I can't thank you enough for sharing this!

Just used Glad Press N Seal and a free shipping box from USPS... worked great! You can fold multiple layers to get different diffusion levels. Thanks for the video!

2 work lamps at Harbor Freight was $8. The cloth and poster board at Hobby Lobby was $6. Everything else was in my garage. Great video, so easy.

I made the same Light box as she shown here. Works perfectly !! Thank you Girl

This is perfect! I have been looking for something easy to make for my photos. Thanks!

Brilliant idea - I've seen another that uses paper and I agree that interface fabric is much safer. Thanks for creating this!

Almost 5 years late but wanted to say thank you for this! Very helpful.

Doing this tomorrow night! Thank you for the video. I have most of the the stuff already. I just need to get the white fabric. I'm selling NWOB shoes so this will make my shoes stand out. Thanks again!

I followed the directions for making the shadow box it came out great. Thank You

This is the best, most clear, short and concise video on how to do this that I've seen. And I love that you show your materials and say where you got them. It is unrealistic for people to think that prices won't change overtime. It's been over 4 years since this video was posted. Plus I'm in Canada. Nothing is cheaper here anyway :P But anywhoo. Thanks so much! I really appreciate this video. I've subscribed.

I was having trouble with the whole thing to,Thank you so much 😘

She’s gorgeous!! Thanks for the diy photo box

Omg thank you!!!!!! This is amazing and will save me so much money!!! Your appreciated sooo much!

The best tutorial please make more of these diy.

That's terrific info! I might add that in 2018 Walmart is selling Great Value 100 watt (equivalent) LED bulbs that are totally cool to the touch even when "burning" for hours. They can be found individually and in 4-packs in daylight and warm white, will screw in to any standard fixture, and since they will not set fire to diffusion material you could use tracing paper if you prefer. It looks to me that they are switching away from CFLs now just as they switched from incandescent a few years ago.

thank you for getting straight to the point. I have most of this stuff already it was just a matter of figuring out how to implement it all. lol

The best product photography tutorial 👍👍👌.. thank you

It actually costed me roughly $45 to build my light box. But in my opinion it was fun and well worth it. Thanks :)

This is great! As a small business it works great for my jewelry ❤️

Good video! Important to note (especially if you're not familiar with light bulbs) that those fluorescent bulbs are 100 W EQUIVALENT [to incandescent bulbs] (as the product box says at 1: 10), and they actually use 23 W

Will be making this tomorrow. Am psyched to see how it turns out.

This was straight to the point and very helpful!

Wish I would have watched this one first! Great advice after my initial failed attempt watching others! Btw love your hair!

gurllll you straight tripping. All this cost me $37.93 at Walmart

nice one. i like how you showed the pic you took. came out great in this quick "Savvy" little diy. will for sure try this one soon

ur video reached the middle east . i'm from egypt and i'd like to say thank you . this is really good and helpfull ...the way u try to make it easy for us .shortly . this is " perfect " - i see that u make this video at june-014 - and to day it's 017 - still gr8 . wish u having the best of times

This can be great for architecture students as well! Great idea

Useful and straight forward, thank you!

Thank you! Going to make one tomorrow.

Thank you so much! I'm going to try this with my artwork 👍

wow!!! amazing....can't wait to try it!

Awesome! Perfect! Thank you for making this video!

Awesome video! Very detailed and easy to follow instructions 👍🏾

Great video. Thank you. Will be putting these ideas to use in 2016 for my channel

Thank you. This is a really helpful thing.

you were very clear on what to do (easy to follow) video quality was excellent. thank you, i'll be using your method.

Amazing idea! Can’t wait to make my very own! Thanks so much for this video!!!!!

thank you! I was just looking online and about to purchase one of these for £40 (even though i knew it probably wouldn't be quite big enough and i have a few large boxes, some that fabric at and a fancy camera at home! great video

I was about to buy a light box studio on ebay for 40 dollers last night then I saw your vid... so now i'm just going to make my own, thanks so much!!

This is the best how to for making this out of all the others I watch.

Excelente, practico y al punto, me ahorraste un poco de dinero todo lo tenia en casa lol. Desde Weston Florida. Excellent, practical, and to the point, you saved me a little money, everything I had at home lol. From Weston Florida.

Thank you for this tutorial!

Lovely Saavy !! I love your video ! I been looking for this :) had to subscribe ;)

Thank you! Easy to understand and very helpful!

Thanks for this! Works perfect. All the supplies cost me closer to $60, but still cheaper than a professional photographer!

This is fantastic. Thank you.

EPIC game changer. Thank you.

Thanks for the tip about ling sleeves to help with the shadows.

awesome! this is exactly what i need! thank you!

Thank you for this helpful guide!!!

WOW ! Great advice ! Thanks for the video !

Thank you, so simple.

love this idea thank you so much Savvy Seller

that was awesome ....appreciate your hardwork

Well thank you!!! Brilliant idea👍

Found some stuff here and there, ending up making this for under $2! Thanks a lot!

awesome thanks so much can't wait to make one!

I love it! Thanks for that

Creative and helpful, thank you!

Into my routine to be able to share and constantly improving and learning

Great! Thank you! Best tutorial

This is good and straightly useful. Thanks!

thank you for uploading this.....this just saved me a tone of money