Transforming Lightbox

After deciding to sell some articles on an online auction, I discovered that my camera takes horrible pictures. Not being a photographer, I had to do some searching before I figured out how the "pros" do it. The answer; Expensive Cameras, High-Energy Lights and Lightboxes!

Not able to afford any of these, I decided to see what I could do on my own. Please keep in mind that I am aware that this site does have Instructables for Lightboxes, however I had to put my own spin on it, and I am glad I did!

This is my very first Instructable, so please bear with me. Any positive criticism will be greatly appreciated.

Parts:

(1) Roll of Freezer Paper, plastic coated. (Borrowed from the kitchen, thus free!)
(8) 1/2" PVC Elbow Joints (Home Depot), part A
(4) 1/2" PVC T-Joints (Home Depot), part B
(10) 2ft Pre-Cut PVC Sections (Home Depot) part C
(2) GE Floodlight Halogen 100's (Wal-Mart, 1 pictured) Part D
(2) Mainstays Clip-on Lamps (Wal-Mart, 1 pictured) Part E
(3) Ghostline White Poster Board (Wal-Mart, none pictured here)

Home Depot Total: ~$15.00
Wal-Mart Total: ~$26.00

Step 1 Step 1

Cut four (4) of the 2-ft PVC sections in half to create the eight (8) "halves". Cutting these the same length will make the project a bit more pleasing to the eye later!

Comments

[Snarky]

In My Defense: I chose PVC due to the fact that I would be swapping from the small to the large boxes quite frequently. As long as the pipes are left inside and protected from extreme temps, they will continue to function properly for years. I probably could have done the same thing with dowels or cardboard or a thousand other materials, but my first goal was a sustainable lightbox that could be taken down and reassembled easily and accommodate large or small objects accordingly.

[Arbitror]

You can do this way easier and cheaper; just buy 5 foam core boards for $5, then buy a white poster board for 50¢. Then cut the boards so they fit into each other and hold together, then just lay the poster-board inside.

[webslog]

Shadow Ops: I love the idea of using foamcore; however how would you light it? I think the different designs that use fabric/paper/etc. are built so lights can be set up outside the box and create diffuse light.

[Arbitror]

You aim two lights at the back upper two corners, from the opening at the front. This illuminates the whole box, leaving no shadows on your subject.

[RionNipal]

This is a nice idea, but I would only use PVC if I was planning on taking the cube on location. and even then, I would most likely sew a form-fitting pillow case style cover and hide the seam with the ramp. for rigging up a quick rig, Shadow Ops has a great idea

[ac1D]

Home Depot Total: ~$15.00 Wal-Mart Total: ~$26.00 Total: $41 http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5224 $20.95 http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5269 $21.11 http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.33796 $28.71 But well. Doing it ourself have no price! Thanks for the great instructables.

[komecake]

  You could have saved money doing this, but it might not set up quite the same. 

 Walmart also has construction light lamps for like $3 plus the bulbs. They are large and great for photography and clip on things. I used to do them when I did headshots in highschool. I did a lot of photography and these lights worked well for me.

 Instead of PVC you could use wood. PVC can get a bit pricey. Thin pieces of wood glued/nailed together would be a cheaper option.