Never cut toward yourself. Always cut toward a friend.

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.

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!

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 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.

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!

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

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.

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! :)

With the ridiculous inflation, now you can make this for less than $30 😅

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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!

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

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Good Job.

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.

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

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

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

I'd suggest non-fusible interfacing--the kind that you DON'T iron on. That way you don't run the risk of the heat from the lamps messing things up.

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

What she used is not a fabric that is why everyone is having trouble finding it. It is a fusible interfacing or fusible material. It comes in a variety of stiffness and opaqueness. I am using Pellon Style# ES114 Easy-shaper. If this doesn't help ask anyone who works in a fabric store this stuff is used to give shape to fabrics like purses, stuffed animals, cushions, coats, curtains, heavy blankets and is normally sewn between two fabrics.

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

I've been looking for the best way to photograph my trees, thank you!

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

I built it, it works great, I love it. The first one I built was a little narrow (smaller box) but I just couldn’t wait to try it out, so I had to. Next I’ll be using a box closer to the size in the video. $10? There is no world in which 2 lamps plus 2 new lightbulbs is going to fit in that price range, but... I managed to do it for $32, and I’m happy with that. 😌

It helps that you're already in a well lit room. You are basically shooting in a giant softbox already

Its a Polish Hand Made sugar bowl from Bolesławiec. i Love that!

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

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.

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 can't thank you enough for sharing this!

WHO IS THIS WOMAN? SMART AND PRETTY!

It works! Amazing and completely accurate video! Thank you!

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!

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

This video is seven years old and here styles looks classic as ever.

The best tutorial please make more of these diy.

With good lighting an excellent photo is achieved. . .

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

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!

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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.

The last 30 seconds blew me away when she pulls out a smart phone to take the shot when I was expecting a DSLR :-)

Great tutorial. People chill with the pricing. Prices vary by region. How to Video is the important part.

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

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.

Awesome video! Used this method it turned out amazing looks better then photo boxes you have to pay for 10/10!

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

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

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

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

Simple and Cheerful method... Amazing job...

This is a great solution! You just saved me ton$$$

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

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

WOW ! Great advice ! Thanks for the video !

This lady is a genius

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.

Good video! Tip I've learned by doing. When using shipping tape in a dispenser like shown in this video it's best to "twist" the dispenser to cut the tape.

Thank you for this helpful guide!!!

I bought 3 of those lamps at Target, which were $6 and change. The poster board was $1.50 and I paid $4 and change for fabric. So, it's really more like $20 +/- all in, with tape, but still exponentially cheaper than buying a light box online, even on Amazon.

Your video was very clear ind instructive. Thank you.💐

OK this was the best demo yet! Thanks a bunch!

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

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

What a great tutorial. I just made my own light box and the photos are beyond my expectations. You are such a sweetheart! Like this comment if you agree!

Thank you TONS!!!! I am NO creator and I have been racking my tiny little brain on how to make one of these for my darling wife. You just saved me a ton of hair pulling and wallet emptying.

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.

What a crafty and affordable idea! In general we believe that a light box is an important tool whenever we have a photo session so we do not recommend to look for the lower budget/quality product. However, we do understand that each company or individuals are working on a different budget. Anyway, great video!

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

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!

Great instructional video. More Please?

Super simple and awesome!!! Just saved me some money!!!

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

very professional video 👍🏻❤🥰👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 love it

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

you can usually pick up those adjustable lamps at goodwill for a buck or two. Big money saver and more light for cheap!

Perfectly simple and so good!

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 :)

Going to build one this weekend.

Very nice and you saved me a lot of money,,, Thank you so much.

Thank you, look and you shall find and I know what I’m doing tomorrow, awesome work

You are the best, very good instructors

Prices vary from location to location. I live in a place where things are more expensive. A clamp light would be closer to 20, the box probably anywhere from 5-10 dollars...lucky for me, I already have all the lighting, just need the box. So I'll certainly be using this as a starting point =D