How to Use a Light Box to Shoot Objects

A photography light box, also know as a light tent, is used to capture objects inside, without the harsh shadows created by indoor lighting. It is essentially a cube with thin walls and one open wall. The tent walls diffuse the light from outside, meaning the effect is softer and more professional. It is not difficult to use a light box, but it might take a few shots before you get what you are looking for.

Instructions

1

Place your light box on a flat, stable surface, with the opening facing the direction from which you will be shooting.

2

If the background has any wrinkles, steam them out with an iron or steamer. If the background is detachable, detach it before steaming.

3

Place at least two outside light sources on the left and right sides of the cube. Use daylight balanced fluorescent bulbs for best results. Place a third light in front, at the level of the object, if you feel it is needed.

4

Turn off any other lights in the room and turn off the flash on your camera.

5

Place your camera on a tripod between 1 1/2 and 2 feet away.

6

Place the object in the light box. Adjust it so it's at the angle you desire. Look through your lens, and readjust if needed.

7

Adjust the camera settings. For a point-and-shoot, they should be something like: f-stop 8, ISO 80, and white balance (if available) set to daylight. For an SLR, the settings should be: f-stop 16, shutter speed 1/1.6, and ISO 100. For both types, add a 2-second self-timer delay.

8

Take the photo. Take more at different angles and settings if you are dissatisfied. Feel free to adjust the lights as well.

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A photography light box, also know as a light tent, is used to capture objects inside, without the harsh shadows created by indoor lighting. It is essentially a cube with thin walls and one open wall. The tent walls diffuse the light from outside, meaning the effect is softer and more professional. It is not difficult to use a light box, but it might take a few shots before you get what you are looking for.

Instructions

1

Place your light box on a flat, stable surface, with the opening facing the direction from which you will be shooting.

2

If the background has any wrinkles, steam them out with an iron or steamer. If the background is detachable, detach it before steaming.

3

Place at least two outside light sources on the left and right sides of the cube. Use daylight balanced fluorescent bulbs for best results. Place a third light in front, at the level of the object, if you feel it is needed.

4

Turn off any other lights in the room and turn off the flash on your camera.

5

Place your camera on a tripod between 1 1/2 and 2 feet away.

6

Place the object in the light box. Adjust it so it's at the angle you desire. Look through your lens, and readjust if needed.

7

Adjust the camera settings. For a point-and-shoot, they should be something like: f-stop 8, ISO 80, and white balance (if available) set to daylight. For an SLR, the settings should be: f-stop 16, shutter speed 1/1.6, and ISO 100. For both types, add a 2-second self-timer delay.

8

Take the photo. Take more at different angles and settings if you are dissatisfied. Feel free to adjust the lights as well.

---

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