Working as a commercial filmmaker can be taxing, namely if you're required to get sleek and fashionable product shots, which may call for spendy light boxes and other equipment. However, as there always is, a few items that are probably collecting dust in your garage can be transformed into a decent light box. Here's Doug McKinley of Adorama to show you how you can make one using a cardboard box and some translucent material. Check out the tutorial below:

There is more than one way to skin a cat and there is more than one way to build your own light box out of random stuff. Back in August, we showed you how Caleb Pike of DSLR Video Shooter turned an IKEA side table into a suitable light box, but McKinley's build requires even less time and materials to complete.

All you really need is a cardboard box (any size will do), some translucent material (shower curtain liner, a white sheet, a T-shirt), and a light. Of course, you'll need some essentials, like tape, tacks, a ruler, box cutter, etc. to actually build it, but I'm guessing you've got these things lying around somewhere at home.

Simply cut three "windows" into the left, right, and top side of your box, line these "windows" with your translucent material, lay down a white backdrop (or whatever color/background you want) on the inside of the box, and you're ready to shoot some impressive product shots.

Though it's not perfect, this is a super easy and inexpensive way to make a light box, and may really come in handy if you're in dire need.

Source: Adorama

diylight boxproduct shots
Cinematography & Cameras