DIY LightBox

Discussion of photography, editing and publishing techniques
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Drucifer
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DIY LightBox

Post by Drucifer »

I ran across this guide for building your own light box (light boxes are often used to get nice even lighting for close up photography). The design seems fairly modular, so you should be able to adjust it to fit your needs. Also it seems very affordable. I'll probably try putting one together when I get a chance (which knowing me means in 2015 :) ). If I do, I'll post my results.
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Shadow
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Post by Shadow »

ooh.... this may be handy :wink: Thanks for sharing it!
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Lord_Of_The_LEGO
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Post by Lord_Of_The_LEGO »

That's really cool. And I bed that not only would be useful for taking pictures of models, but also for Brickfilms!

Thanks for pointing this out!
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SavaTheAggie
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Post by SavaTheAggie »

I like this a lot, but unfortunately its not very useful for my MOC picture taking, mine are far too big to fit in any sort of box.

But the theory is sound. I already own one of those lamps, maybe I can come up with a rig to suspend cloth on front of the lamps like a professional photographer's lamps, and then get me some PVC to create some sort of tripod/stand to hold them around my tables.

Thanks for the inspiration!

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Drucifer
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Light box test shots

Post by Drucifer »

So I've put together a light box basically following all of the measurements in the guide.
Image
I took some quick test shots to give you a comparison.

1). The dragon pod under normal indoor lighting (incandescent light bulbs) with automatic white-balance. Because I didn't use the light box or a flash, notice the yellow/brown tint from normal light bulbs. :(
Image
2). A color correct version of 1). where I manually adjusted the image's white-balance. I shoot everything in RAW mode so I can change the white-balance after the fact, so this is not a reshooting of 1)., just an adjusted version of 1).
Image
3). The same pod shot using the light box with automatic white-balance. Beautiful with no extra work. :D
Image

Note images are links and should work after the gallery has been moderated. If you cannot wait until then here are the deep links.
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/avanp ... g_0119.jpg
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/avanp ... _0119b.jpg
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/avanp ... g_0120.jpg
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/avanp ... g_0124.jpg

EDIT: I just noticed, that's a nice sparkly Admin logo you have there Anthony.
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g2
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Post by g2 »

Hey thanks for sharing the link to the light-box. I have always wondered about these, and now I can actually build one.

Thanks again.
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Lord Felix
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Post by Lord Felix »

Looks great. If ever I have a free week, I just might build this. It looks worth it.
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kelderic
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Post by kelderic »

This is pretty awesome, and his pictures turned out great. I might have to build one, if I could ever find the space.

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Drucifer
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Post by Drucifer »

kelderic wrote:This is pretty awesome, and his pictures turned out great. I might have to build one, if I could ever find the space.
The great thing about space is if you don't glue the PVC, you can disassemble the box for storage. Anthony modified the design a little bit to make some free standing lights, but it looks like the picture is missing now. Those might also be better if your space is limited.
Hoping to have a witty signature and cool avatar one day.
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castlestrike666
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Post by castlestrike666 »

And what about the bigger mocs? The lightbox is a great idea for smaller ones, but how could you do it with large scaled castles and others..?
I can think of using white sheets, but the lighting isn't going to be that good then. :roll: Any ideas/solutions?

Thanks!

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