How To Use A Lightbox For Your Product Shots

A photography lightbox (also called a photo tent or photo cube) is a square box usually made of nylon fabric that can be folded up and stored with ease.  Typically, a lightbox can range from 12 inches square all the way up to 60 or more inches square and they are most useful for shooting product photography.

The basic idea is that you place your product inside the lightbox and then place your lights on the outside of the lightbox so the nylon fabric acts as a light diffuser which helps to reduce glare on your products.  Using a tripod, your camera is placed facing into the center of the lightbox on the side that is open.  Although it isn't recommended to use a flash with a lightbox, it can be done.

A lightbox is very important because if gives you the ability to shoot products at any time of the day no matter your location or lighting conditions.  It provides flexibility and allows creativity to shoot a product how you want to see it and with the props and background as you wish.

If you're on a budget like most of us these days, you can purchase materials from your local art and craft store and make your own photography lightbox.  Here are some quick links for Do-It-Yourself contruction of a lightbox from Digital Photography School, StudioLighting.net and Strobist (thanks Marigold!) where you can create your own for less than $10!  Once you have your lightbox and all the tools above, let's get started on how to actually use it.