How to Make an Inexpensive Light Tent

I wanted a light tent but for macro and product shots but wasn't willing to spend $100 on it, so I decided to build one.

Materials Needed:

1) Box – Any size, square or rectangular.  You can find boxes in the back of strip malls, grocery stores, appliance stores, Walmart, etc. The thicker the better!

2) Fabric -  Your choice.  In my box I used white muslin fabric that is found at your local arts and craft store. Buy enough to cover the entire box. ($4.00 or $1.99 a yard).  

3) Masking Tape ($1.00).

4) Glue Stick - To stick the lining in the box ($1.00).

5) White Bristol Board - This will line the inside of the box and will also serve as your background.  Bristol board is a heavyweight paper that is used in drawing/art. The name came from where it was originated, Bristol England.  If you wanted a different background you can also pick up different colors ($3.00).

6) Light - I suggest that you pick up some "daylight" bulbs at Home Depot. Using regular light bulbs will cast a yellow light and should be avoided. I purchased "n:vision" 90 watt equivalent compact florescent bulbs ($7.00). Basically any "Full Spectrum" light bulbs will do.

Light Fixture - If you have a one of those desk work lamps, it will work fine. If you don't, I suggest getting a "clamp on" light. They are about $11 at Walmart.

7) Miscellaneous Tools - Ruler or any straight edge, scissors, pencil or marker, and box cutters.

Step By Step Process:

1) Using the ruler, measure and mark, on all 4 sides, 2″ in from the side of the box marking multiple points with your marker. When you are done you will see your border.  Connect the points using your ruler.  You should have a nice looking square/rectangle in the middle of the box with a 2″ border around it.  Leave the top and bottom of the box alone as you will not need to mark it.

2) Cut out the boxes you've drawn on each side.  When you're done, cut off the top of the box or remove the flaps on the top of the box.  Leave the bottom in tact.



3) Take your Bristol board and make lines with your pencil or marker for every two inches 16 times. Then proceed to cut out 16 strips with your scissors.

4) Glue the paper strips into the box (4 on each side to cover the box so it's white inside). Make sure the side with marker goes against the cardboard so it cannot be seen.



5) Take another piece of Bristol board and cut is so the width is the same as the inside of the box and the length is much longer then the box.

6) Place the long piece of Bristol board into the box to where the piece curves to the bottom. Avoid creasing as it will show up in your photo. Cut off excess paper.



7) Cut your fabric to where it will cover the holes. Then cut a big piece to where it will cover the top of the box.

8) Tape the fabric to cover the holes in the box except the one that is facing your background. Then tape the top piece on.



YOU'RE DONE!



Now all you have to do is light the top of the box and start snapping away!



There are many variations you can do to get the photo you want. If you're having a shadow problem I suggest lighting the other sides of the box (which will require more lights). If you're getting vignetting I suggest a lens hood or moving the lens more into the box. Photoshop could be a handy tool also! I sometimes adjust the levels in Photoshop so it's brighter.