Create a Light Box, also called a White Studio or a White Box for product images. This light box can be built for macro photography, Ebay & Etsy shops or just for fun personal use. As a beauty blogger I'm always taking pictures of products to review. I'll show you how to make a light box that will better showcase your products and provide easier photo editing for a professional styled image.

*These instructions are just for creating the box.*

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Tools:

5 pieces of Foam Board
A Ruler
A Pencil
An X acto Knife
Tissue Paper
Duck Tape
Various colored Construction Paper (Shown in black & white)

*Not Shown* Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks

Additional Reflector
*Not Shown* Glue Stick
*Not Shown* Aluminum Foil

Step 2: Measure & Cut

Measure the size of your box. I decided to make mine 20" X 20". Cut out 4 of these. This will be the 2 sides, the top and the back of the light box.

I left my 5th foam board the original length to serve as my base.

Step 3: Measure Frame Space

Leave one piece uncut to serve as the back of your box. Create frames with the remaining three pieces. This will be the hole that you will shine your lights through.

You can make this any size or shape you want. I decided to stick with right angles and made a 2" border around each side of my foam board. I used the X acto knife to cut out the shape.

Step 4: Add Tissue Paper

I cut tissue paper to cover the frame then wrapped duct tape around the edge to secure. Do this with the three cut frames.

You can use different colored tissue paper to change the effect of the image. If you choose to do this, it would be easier to cut the tissue paper a bit smaller and keep the duct tape on one side of the frame. This will allow you to easily remove the tissue paper and add different colored pieces.

Step 5: Connect Sides

You want to secure two framed sides with your uncut back piece in the middle. Leave a small gap between your frames and duct tape them together.

Step 6: Secure Your Base

You should now have your frames in a squared C or U shape. Place them with the tops on the ground so that you can secure the base on the bottom. Working with one side at a time I placed hot glue on the edge of the frames and secured the base. I then swirled some glue over the crease to help reinforce the seal. I didn't feel the need to add any glue inside the box.

Step 7: Add Top

I secured the top piece to the back with duct tape. I then added a small piece of duct tape near the front to secure each side to the top. This allows me to flip the top open or remove it completely if needed.

Step 8: Additional Reflectors

You can create reflectors with the scraps of your light box. I cut a small rectangle from my remaining foam board and using a regular glue stick I applied aluminum foil to each side. On one side I crinkled the foil to change the reflective texture. On the other side I left it smooth.

I also cut two squares of foam board to use as additional reflectors.

Step 9: Finished

Your box is now complete. You may need to trim your construction paper so that it fits inside nicely. You don't need to glue or tape the construction paper. Place it along the back of the box and allow it to flow towards the front. You don't want to create a hard crease in the construction paper. Because this piece is not glued in place you can easily change it, if it becomes damaged or to create a different effect for your image.

Step 10: Using the Light Box

You will need 2-3 desk lamps or work lights to use the box. I purchased mine from Wal-Mart. Use daylight bulbs for a clear image. Soft White bulbs will cast a yellow wash over your images. Shine light through your frames. Use the reflectors to bounce light back onto reflective products.

Stage your products to create an appealing image. The white background makes editing in Photoshop much easier.

Enjoy your new light box and the professional styled images you can create!