How To Use A Lightbox For Your Product Shots

Why Is It Important?

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. 

What Do You Need?

The basic tools necessary to shoot your products in a lightbox can be purchased in the form of home studio kits for less than a $100 at Square Perfect or if you want specific photo kits from jewelry to furniture you can check out EZ Cube although they are more expensive.  Here are the basic tools you need: 

1. A photography lightbox (photo tent or photo cube)
2. High output lights (daylight fluorescent bulbs) 
3. Light stands
4. Background sheets (non-reflective polyester fabric in white, black or any color you choose)
5. Camera (go digital to save time, but use anything from a basic point and shoot to a professional SLR)
6. Camera Tripod

As you can see these are pretty standard items so 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.