Action Figure Photography : How To Make A Light Box

If you want to get into action figure photography then you will more than likely need a light box (some people call it a light tent). But why would you want to spend a ton of money on a very small silly tent? If you are like me then you don’t. Today I am going to be showing you all how to make a very inexpensive light box.

Supplies Needed:

1. A Box – This can be any size that you want as long as you can light it up. I like when the light box is more square than rectangular. The box I am using just so happens to be a case of action figures.
2. Tracing Paper or Fabric – Experiment and try them both. They are both very inexpensive.
3. Tape or Glue Stick – You will be using this to secure the tracing paper/fabric to the box. I have found that the glue stick is easier to use.
4. Poster Board – This is going to serve as your background. You can use whatever color your desire. I used white in this example.
5. Lights – You can use just 1 light but I would recommend getting 3 lights (one for each side) Get white lights and not yellow ones. You can pick these up at Walmart for $6.
6. Razor Knife – This will come in handy to cut the cardboard box.

Now that you have all the supplies I am going to show you how to make the light box to aid you in action figure photography.

Steps:

Take your cardboard box and cut off all of the flaps on the top.

Measure about 1 -2 inches from the edge of the box and make lines all the way around. Do this for 3 of the sides on the box.

Cut out the squares using your razor knife.

Put glue on the borders of one of the squares that you just cut out and place a pice of tracing paper as smooth as you can get it. Then cut off the excess. Do this for all of the sides that you cut out.

Slide in the poster board so that it covers the back of the box and the ground of the box.

Now you are all set. Just set up the lights however you want and you will see the improvement in your pictures.

You will have to experiment with the positioning of the lights and see what works best for you.

If you liked this guide about action figure photography then feel free to join the discussion in the comments below!