My X28almost X29 Free Lighting Setup - Stock Photography Blog

My (almost) free lighting setup

posted on 14th of february, 2011

Some of the most asked questions on the message boards are about lighting. Where do I get it? What do I get? Is there anything cheaper? Whats the best?

I thought I would take some time to share my lighting setup with you.

Here it is...
Custom Light Box

I know it doesn't look very pretty but the images I have made with it are! I put this one together in about an hour or two using a cardboard box, pieces of white fabric, large white sheet of paper, masking tape, three lamps, three natural color "daylight" 6500K light bulbs (any bulbs will work) and some small mirrors(not a 'must have').

By replacing the cardboard sides and top with fabric I was able to shine light through and diffuse it at the same time. This creates a nice soft light on your subject.

I had all of these items sitting around my house except for the natural color bulbs. I would estimate that you could make this same setup for about $20... much cheaper and easier than buying a professional setup. I suggest anyone starting out in product photography to build one of these and play around with it.

I hope this helps! Good Luck!!!

f/7.1 1/200th second ISO 400

f/5.0 1/50th second ISO 125

f/5.0 1/50th second ISO 100

Tags: cheap lighting photography product white

Comments (31)

	Posted by Lenutaidi on January 18, 2013 Thank you for sharing!Very useful!!
	Posted by Vennys on April 03, 2012 Great setup and explanation! Help of this kind is every time appreciated. Thank you!
	Posted by Calyx22 on April 07, 2011 That's a really good idea. I like how you provided examples of how well it worked for you. Sometimes DIY is great!
	Posted by Lostarts on April 07, 2011 Good idea. I'd made one of these in photo school about 40 years ago ... so long that I'd forgotten about it. Thanks for reminding me!
	Posted by Igordabari on April 07, 2011 Hi Alek. Look: I made lightbox using your description and here are some images taken with it: http://blog.dreamstime.com/2011/03/22/my-first-lightbox-images-accepted_art34753 http://blog.dreamstime.com/2011/04/07/food-in-lightbox-_art34868 Thank you once again for inspiration!
	Posted by Calyx22 on March 11, 2011 Thanks for sharing, Kringstad! I took a class where we made similar light boxes. It was fun and cheap! :)
	Posted by Lizapixels on March 09, 2011 thanks so much for sharing
	Posted by Kringstad on March 03, 2011 That is great news, Igor. I am looking forward to seeing the new images in your portfolio!
	Posted by Uptall on March 03, 2011 thanks for share.nice pics really
	Posted by Igordabari on March 03, 2011 Thanks for your blog once again. It inspired me to create my own light box (25$ spent) using your recipe. I have done test shots and I am quite sutisfied with results and hope to do much more.
	Posted by Fra73 on February 22, 2011 Thanks a lot!!
	Posted by Igordabari on February 21, 2011 Thank you very much for your detailed reply.
	Posted by Uptall on February 21, 2011 thanks for share.
	Posted by Kringstad on February 21, 2011 Hello, The bulbs I was using are 13watt florescent bulbs which are equivalent to about 25 watt incandescent bulbs. The box in the video is about 1 foot (30cm) on each side. The front side may be a little wider. I place the subject in about the middle of the box and shoot from the open side with no fabric. The lamps I was using are no special lamps, they are just what I had around the house. Any kind of lamp that you can put a light bulb in will work. I hope this helps and please respond if you have more questions. Thanks!
	Posted by Igordabari on February 21, 2011 Could you tell: 1) What is bulb power? 2) What is appr. the box sizes? 3) What side of your parallelepiped serves as window for shooting: butt-end edge or one of the 'long' sides (excuse me for my non-perfect English)? 3) Video shows not only "daylight" bulbs but also some special p h o t o - lamps, or it is my mistake? I like your idea much and would like to try it. Thanks for sharing!
	Posted by Mjskehan on February 19, 2011 Awesome tip, thanks!
	Posted by Yuritz on February 19, 2011 Agree on the results,looks like your pictures turned out well with it. Congrats and thanks for sharing
	Posted by Kringstad on February 16, 2011 Wow. Thanks for all of the positive feedback everyone! Looks like my first blog is a success (542 views in about 40 hrs). I think I will continue to share my tips with everyone.
	Posted by Joe1971 on February 16, 2011 Thanks!!!
	Posted by Kimson1972 on February 15, 2011 ..good ideas all the way..!..great...!
	Posted by Mariaam on February 15, 2011 This is great! Thanks for sharing!
	Posted by Sobek85 on February 15, 2011 Great thanks for this
	Posted by smartview27 on February 15, 2011 Thanks!
	Posted by Scottysally2 on February 15, 2011 Thanks for sharing this, it worked well, your images turned out great. :)
	Posted by Trottola on February 15, 2011 Thanks for sharing, your pictures are great!
	Posted by Picstudio on February 14, 2011 Nice video.
	Posted by Cammeraydave on February 14, 2011 I Like it ! Thanks, Dave
	Posted by Egomezta on February 14, 2011 Thanks for sharing... it sure works well....
	Posted by Kringstad on February 14, 2011 Oops sorry about that. It should work now
	Posted by Helenlbuxton on February 14, 2011 The images are great, Alek ... I've been doing something similar with Ikea clip-on desk lamps, baking parchment & kitchen tin foil (no box as yet). For my speciality, though (food), I'm not always overjoyed with the results I get. I definitely prefer natural light (which also has its challenges!). Still, it's good to know that it's possible to get decent results with a bit of experimenting without spending the earth! All the best.