Photo Gadgets: How To Use a Photo Light Box or Photo Light Box Tent

Photo Gadgets: How To Use a Photo Light Box or Photo Light Box Tent

It seems there are a million photo gadgets for the professional or the recreational photographer these days.  Having just picked up the shutter 'bug' a year ago and having become addicted to taking my own digital images, I've browsed for quite a few things to enhance my photography skills.

One particular aspect of digital photography that I noticed was that many images are crystal clear in terms of background distractions and the light seems to be perfect.  I was curious enough to start investigating how to achieve these effects for my own digital pictures.

On researching a bit, I discovered in the vast sea of photo gadgets one that would forever change my photography technique.  This will not apply for every kind of photography of course, but it does suit for stills.

Let's explore how to use a photo light box or a photo light box tent and how having one of these photo gadgets can really enhance your photography skills, whether digital or regular!

Photo Gadgets - Using a Photo Light Box or Photo Light Box Tent

I didn't really know that these tools existed until I started doing a little research. I found numerous kinds on-line and really lucked out when I saw a professional set of 2 light boxes that came with a carrying case, a heavy duty tripod, and 2 professional lights for one-third of the original price. It was too good a deal to pass up.

Since my purchase, I've been experimenting with the light boxes and the different backgrounds. I am still just a novice but I think with more practice, these light boxes will be a great photo gadget to have in my tool kit when it comes to digital photography.

What Does a Light Box or Photo Light Box Tent Do?

·         Assures even lighting so not too dark and not too bright

·         Harsh direct light most often does not make for great photos - digital or regular

·         A photo light box or photo light box tent allows you to photograph small objects like jewelry 

·         Minimizes or eliminates glare because it is in a contained area with no reflections

·         Photo light boxes and photo light box tents are portable

·         They can be expanded and then stored flat for later use

·         Using a photo light box or a photo light box tent eliminates outside objects from photo

·         Lighting is changeable - you can add light or take it away or you can move it wherever it is more appropriate

·         You can change background colors and textures using a photo light box orphoto light box tent using whatever background and color most enhances the object you are shooting

Making Your Own Photo Light Box

There are several websites explaining about photo light boxes and how to use a photo light box or a photo light box tent.

Making your own photo light box is also very easy and there are several great resources to use to make your own. Most light boxes can be made for under $10!

All You Need To Make Your Own Photo Light Box

·         Cardboard box

·         Craft knife

·         Masking tape or packing tape

·         White fabric or paper

·         Different fabrics or different color papers for other backgrounds if desired

·         Poster board in white or other colors

·         Tissue paper if desired

·         LED light panel (optional)

Things to Photograph in a Photo Light Box or Photo Light Box Tent

There are many things you can shoot using your photo light box or photo light box tent.  Here are some of my ideas:

·         Food shots for recipes

·         Stuffed animals or toys

·         Flowers

·         Stand offs

·         Jewelry

·         Ingredients for recipes

·         Components or objects you want to highlight

·         Books

·         LED Signs

·         Computers

·         Wine glasses or other tableware

·         Place settings

·         Anything that will fit inside the photo light box or photo light box tent!

By making your own photo light box, you can leave one side completely open so that you can just set the box over an object rather than placing the object inside.  You will still have the benefit of the background and lighting, filtering of glare, outside distracting objects, etc., but you have the option then of fitting the box over the object if it is unmovable - or you just want a different shot.

Photo Gadgets - How to Use a Photo Light Box or a Photo Light Box Tent

If you're a budding photographer or you know someone who loves to take pictures, a photo light box or a photo light box tent is a great investment, whether you buy it already made (which is easier of course) or you make it yourself (still very doable and easily constructed).

There are all different sizes and textures of photo light boxes and tents and many different backgrounds and fabrics as well.

The set that I bought came with 4 inserts plus a 'sleeve' type of covering in white for each of the 2 photo light boxes, 1 large and 1 small.

Each background fabric piece for the photo light box (red, blue, white and black) has a smooth surface and each has a velvet surface. Depending on what you want your look to be in the photo, you can select the appropriate background surface and color.

The background pieces attach by Velcro and the photo light boxes or light box tents can be turned many different ways.  They can be lit from the side or from behind or above with any number of light sources.

See the videos for more ideas on how to use a photo light box or a photo light box tent.

Check one out and see if you don't think that a photo light box or a photo light box tent is a great photo gadget!