Want to know how to turn photos like this:

Into photos like this?:

All you need is a lightbox. Sure daylight is great, and photos with props are awesome, but sometimes you just need that nice clean closeup shot with great soft lighting. A lightbox can do that for you! I realized I needed to take some product shots today, and I needed a lightbox, but I don’t have one. Darn.

“But Amber,” you say, “I don’t have one of these wonderous devices. Am I doomed to take poorly lit photos forever?” No, of course not. But, I can teach you how to make a lightbox, and it will take less than a half hour to make!

So, to make your lightbox you will need a cutting tool (like a box cutter), some tape or glue, white paper, and a medium sized box. Don’t forget to cut on a safe surface like a cutting mat.

Now we will be cutting out three sides of the box, leaving one side and the bottom intact, and leaving the flaps on the top. I cut about one inch in from the edge so that I have room for my tape. I used double-sided tape to save me some time.

Now here is what the box looks like with all the sides done.

Once all the sides are cut out, then cut some white paper to the size of the sides of the box, and tape on the inside. Cover both the sides and the bottom with paper. Using a longer piece of paper or a piece of poster paper, attach one end to the back at the top of the box, and lay it so that it curves along the bottom.

Now position your lights on the outside, facing the sides or top of the box. It’s best to use two lights so you don’t get any big shadows. I would suggest using daylight bulbs in your lamps to get the best lighting (I did).

And there you have it! One less thing to worry about, one more thing to cross off the list. You can take beautiful, softly lit product shots to your hearts content.

I know I will.