If you Google “DIY Lightbox” you will get a bunch of how-to pages. Most are just WAY to complicated for the average shutterbug. Others are just too fragile and will likely get destroyed in short order. Nearly every one you find will cost more than you are likely to get out of it.
I noticed that my local WalMart has a portable lightbox kit in the camera deptartment for $49, which actually looks nice. But me being a cheapskate, decided that I can make one cheaper. So here you go.
[more]
- (2) Clip-on-Lights $2.50 from Target
- (1) Clear Storage Bin $7.50 from Walmart
- (2) Posterboards white and blue $1
- (2) BinderClips
Assemble like the pic! Nothing difficult.
The clear(ish) bin works to filter and soften the light. Best thing of all, is that everything stores in the tub when not used. Just remember to turn the dark background out before packing, so that the white doesn’t get marked.
Sample results:
For more Samples see http://www.flickr.com/photos/jking89/tags/lightbox/