Do-It-Yourself Softbox for Just a Few Dollars

Do-It-Yourself Softbox

For those new to serious photography (and there’s a multitude out there ushered in by the growing popularity of digital cameras), owning a DSLR soon leads you to a few more things that you might need to take better pictures.

Among this is a softbox, a large light source that diffuses light to create smoother shadows and eliminate hotspots in your photos. Unfortunately, these things cost quite a bit (about $500) if you buy them.

Fortunately, however, there are less expensive alternatives. For a few dollars – or none at all if you have these few things already in your home – you can make your own softbox.

DIYPhotography.net says you’ll need a cardboard box, aluminum foil (ask your mama for some), a pair of scissors, some glue and a piece of translucent cloth or sketching paper.

You glue the reflective aluminum foil inside the box, cut out a hole in the back where your strobe head can go in, and cover the box front with the translucent cloth or paper, and you’re good to go.

Head on over to their site for more detailed instructions. Also, revisit our own “Studio Lighting on the Cheap” pages for more instructions on how to create homemade lighting projects.

[Site: DIYPhotography.net]

Published by Chris Malinao

Chris teaches Lightroom as workflow software to photography students at the FPPF, Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation. He also teaches smartphone photography.