DIYP team has seen and made some pretty awesome DIY light boxes using all sorts of materials: PVC pipes, coroplast and a cardboard box, to name a few. And now we’ve found something a bit … unordinary. But it’s cheap, easy, and most of all – it seems to work. It could be good as “first aid”, at least. The Crafs Man shared a video showing you how to make your own light box – out of a garbage can. It takes three items and no more than $10, so if you’re on a really tight budget, you could give it a shot.
You will need
- White plastic garbage can
- A light source
- Small piece of glass (optional) – you can take it off a picture frame
The setup
The setup is pretty simple. You should put the object you’re photographing into a can, and place the light source directly on top of the garbage can. Crafs Man used a cheap old clamp light he had lying around. You can use whatever you like and have, of course. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t leave the incandescent bulb on the can for too long, as it could melt the plastic.
If you would like glossy, reflective surface underneath the object, you can place a piece of glass in the can, and put the object onto it. I would also add white paper as a backdrop.
Feel free to experiment and push the DIY factor to the max. Use natural light, small flash lights and LEDs. Move the light along the can, and use more than just one light. You can also try out some macro shots with this setting.
Considering my cat destroyed my last light box (the cardboard one), I’m thinking of trying this one out. Destroy this, kitty!
If you decide to have fun with this setting, don’t forget to send us the results.
[$7 DIY Photo Light Box – Jewelry Photo Diffuser Reflector – Better Ring Pictures via Instructables]
