DIY Lightbox

[Andy.]

I was bored last night as the wife was out, we have no internet at home and there was nothing on TV so I thought I would get into BluePeter mode and try making a lightbox to play with.

I didn't play with it that long and would benefit from using a macro lens but results are below:

One box:

Some white A3 stuck to it:

Lights camera action:

Some of the subjects:

Dice idea stolen shamelessly from Revels:

Some cards for good measure:

Inside the box:

It was quite a fun way to alleviate the boredom, and cost next to nothing to make which is always a bonus in photography!

 

[Revels]

Ooooooh, I might try that!!

 

[Millsy]

^^ +1 excellent lighting effects

 

[iimushroomzii]

Wicked pics.

 

[Hixle]

Awesome, something to do this weekend methinks as i'm skint before payday.

Love the elephant one, could imagine that in a calalogue

 

[Clart]

Looks good that - might try it

 

[Nigel]

They are really good!

Great way to make a lightbox on the cheap as well!

 

[mace¬]

Can I ask why you have so many dice?

Excellent work, love the one of the elephant.

 

[capturedbyjames]

awesome work, well worth buying big things so I can get a big box

 

[JJ!]

Right then.. time to make a box!

 

[Andy.]

Cheers for the feedback.

Mace - I'll have to ask the Mrs... I just found the box in our "toys" cupboard.

I look forward to seeing everyones efforts then!

 

[Just Bob]

My wife went out last night, I didn't make a light box or take any pics, just had some beers and played COD5 at full tilt on my PC.

Your pictures and light box are inspirational and next time she goes out I'll be in Blue Peter mode.

Great pics by the way!

 

[Brasseye]

Just great Andy........

Was the desk lamp at 60w not powerful enough ?

 

[gaz_5103]

excellent stuff

 

[Track'd]

Pretty good attempt. I made one last year when i found it on another photo forum. I used grease proof paper as it gave it a softer light. I just used the old box from my 20"imac, worked well.

I got one of those small photo studios for xmas - 4 backdrops, 2 lights etc, just a table top one. Only 2 pics i have are here http://www.mightywhite.co.uk/

 

[Paul RN]

That is brilliant!

 

[guysy]

Nice pictures.

Ive seen those 'pop up' light boxes on ebay which look worth a buy for 15-20 odd quid, Also come with colour backdrops etc.

Still, Cant beat paying nothing with great results !

 

[Andy.]

Just great Andy........

Was the desk lamp at 60w not powerful enough ?

Cheers matey.

The paper was too thick to let enough light through, the big one just seemed to work better. Plus, POOOOOOOOOWWWWWWEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

 

[Andy.]

Pretty good attempt. I made one last year when i found it on another photo forum. I used grease proof paper as it gave it a softer light. I just used the old box from my 20"imac, worked well.

I got one of those small photo studios for xmas - 4 backdrops, 2 lights etc, just a table top one. Only 2 pics i have are here http://www.mightywhite.co.uk/

I have seen some of the ones done inside the black boxes, you get some really nice effects. I like those two.

 

[Andi-B]

Just great Andy........

Was the desk lamp at 60w not powerful enough ?

Would've made everything orange from the lamp.
Excellent is that .. 9 for idea, 9 for creativity, 3 for dodgy cutting of box

 

[JJ!]

This one looks ok for a fiver!!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/50CM-PHOTO-SO...14&_trkparms=72:1301|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318

* actually its £12 because of delivery!!

 

[McBunny]

i had one it was shite couldnt get it back in the bag !

 

[Padso]

i had one it was s**te couldnt get it back in the bag !

Yeah i have the same problem. You need to be a magician to get that thing back into the bag.

Doesnt give great lighting either.

 

[Gaz]

That idea was so good ive made my own just now

Not got a lamp the powerfull tho so had to make do with normal desk lamps.

both these photo's are with one lamp on the right handside

This one is just using natural light coming through the window

This one is with desk lamps either side of the box

and this one is with both lamps shining through the top of the box

 

[Andy.]

Good effort, try using a large sheet or paper coming down on a gentle slope from the back. That way you wont have the horizon line in the background.

Nice car collection BTW

 

[Gaz]

ok cheers will try that with the next one Thanks there only a few got another 20 and thats before i start with the bigger ones ,lol

 

[Gaz]

with "large sheet or paper coming down on a gentle slope from the back" lol

 

[Andy.]

they look under exposed to me, but i am on my mobile. the large space will trick the camera into under exposing the shot so have a play in photoshop or lightroom and bump up the exposure if you shot in raw.

 

[Gaz]

1st of the 2 is abit, ill keep playing

 

[Gaz]

any better, lol

 

[Andy.]

What a collection! That's awesome!

I think it might be a combination of white balance and exposure which need to be corrected.

I had a quick play in photoshop with the exposure and colours and did this (hope you don't mind?). Its not perfect but does make it shine a bit more IMHO. :

 

[Gaz]

i dont mind at all , its says your pictures in currently unavailable

 

[capturedbyjames]

i was gonna add that the white balence was off slightly.
Maybe make it a bit colder and it should bring out a little more of the colours...

 

[Andy.]

i dont mind at all , its says your pictures in currently unavailable

updated... privacy settings were wrong

 

[Gaz]

im not doing them all again, today anyway lol

This better

 

[capturedbyjames]

aye, that's better... for colours/balence anyhow...

 

[Gaz]

could have done with figuring that out for the autosport show lol

 

[Andy.]

hopefully this one works for the photo... dont know why the one above still isn't.

 

[BIFCAIDS]

love the last picture

 

[Gaz]

yeap that works and very white photoshop is as area ive yet to move into with piccys