Super Simple Light Tent

I was inspired to do this project after seeing the PVC light tent posted on the MAKE blog. This light tent uses a cardboard box, and some white material (Tyvek) and allows you to take reasonable photos of products such as bottles, watches, jewlery, small objects, etc. There is lot's of room for improvement but for the sake of 15 minutes I hope you will agree it's pretty good :)

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Step 1: Select materials

First thing to do is find your self a usable box. The box I used is a half of a resin plastic shelf. The dimensions are roughly 16" x 15" x 15". This size has handled most things I have put in it, however I think something a little wider would be easier to use.

Materials used

- Masking tape or other heavy tape (Duct, packing, etc)
- X-Acto knife
- Ruler
- Glue Stick
- semi transparent white material (Tyvek, White suiting/Ripstop nylon, bed sheets, etc)

chazortiz says: Feb 27, 2013. 8:38 AM

Thanks for this instructable I used a smaller box and used parchment paper and I was extremely satisfied with the results.

Tampa Photographer says: Jan 3, 2012. 6:26 PM

Very cool setup. Can't wait to use this for my product photography!

Tampa Photographer

sscarfo says: Dec 13, 2011. 6:09 PM

This was GREAT. Just built mine yesterday and pics are coming out nice.

Here's a link to the test pics on Flickr ( http://flic.kr/s/aHsjxm8wX2 )

Only suggestion is that a person only needs to cut out 3 holes (the back doesn't need cut out, and the top flaps can be cut off). Keeping the back on makes it a bit sturdier.

stuuf says: Aug 18, 2009. 9:06 PM

Here's my version: I made the side and top panels from vellum taped to foamboard frames. The pieces fit together with tabs and notches so it's fully collapsible. The two origami photos underwent some minor contrast enhancement in Gimp.

Fun2Hold says: Jun 23, 2011. 11:05 AM

Those pictures are awesome. And I like the clean folds of your origami as well!

dingle says: May 2, 2006. 1:38 PM

Taken with newly constructed light tent. These are high temp micro molded pieces that my company makes, about the size of a nickel.

craftyv says: Feb 25, 2011. 2:57 PM

You still need much more light.

NatNoBrains says: Jan 28, 2011. 9:32 AM

I edited mine to make it lighter in the background :)
For this you need a strong white light, like a dentist lamp.

dingle says: May 2, 2006. 1:33 PM

Picture taken with newly constructed Light Tent. Thanks.

NatNoBrains says: Jan 28, 2011. 8:46 AM

Looks like you need a stronger light.

farzadbayan says: Nov 9, 2010. 8:46 AM

Nice !

Gunk on Floor says: Dec 24, 2007. 8:26 PM

woah, cool rings. What are those made of? If you made them I would definatley like to find out how.

dingle says: Dec 25, 2007. 12:46 PM

they are made of a high temperature Dupont material at the plant where i used to work,

105

Mrballeng says: Jan 17, 2011. 10:13 PM

I'm, for sure, making this. Thanks!

beehard44 says: Oct 24, 2010. 9:05 AM

you can toy around in photoshop to adjust the color of the piture so that the background is white

Puzzledd says: Oct 16, 2010. 5:46 PM

This looks great! I love that it's so quick and cheap to make for amateur snappers!

Puzzledd says: Oct 16, 2010. 5:44 PM

This is the bit I was missing when I made my own light box! Thanks for the tip!

maniacse says: Sep 22, 2010. 7:41 PM

excellent! perfect idea!

karlswain says: Sep 5, 2010. 8:00 AM

Excellent idea. I have a light tent but the door is quite small to get thing in and put of. I can make my own now, to the spec I need. Cheers for the instructable

jamwaffles says: Sep 2, 2010. 6:19 AM

With me starting a company soon, and needing pictured of product and all, this project looks brilliant. Also, I'm right in saying the light has to be white (not an incandescent) and everywhere to get rid of those really soft shadows you see? James

qwertyboy says: Jun 25, 2010. 7:56 PM

I made one too, although I need more lights.

Jayefuu says: Jun 19, 2010. 12:57 PM

Ohhh I get it! I came here with the expectation of it being a light tent. IE it weighed nothing. :p I had no idea how an apple related to camping! Nice box, I will be making one of these, thanks!