Light Box Instructions

[goReptiles]

I've been looking around for the best light box instructions. Does anyone have any? I tried a search, but couldn't find anything; I may not have narrowed it down enough, but couldn't think of the best way to.

My boyfriend was thinking about using wood for all sides, thick coats of paint, and holes for the light.

Any other suggestions?

Also, it seems everyone prefers white? Are there any other alternatives to best show the gecko's color, or is white just the better options.

Edit: I found some options, but I'm still curious as to the pain and whatnot, making one out of wood, versus pvc or cardboard.

 

[goReptiles]

Or would these be better?

24-Inch x 24-Inch x 24-Inch Studio Light Box/Tent

Complete Photo 30" x 30" Light Tent Studio with 2 Lights & 2 6' Stands

Table Top Photo Studio Light Tent Kit in a Box - 2 Tents, 2 Light Set, 1 Tripod, 1 Case

 

[DarthGekko]

I own the 30x30 Whitney. It works well.

 

[Chewbecca]

I'd get the light tent and not mess with making something out of wood.
The light tent will prevent you from having to shine the lights directly on the geckos.

 

[Nubster]

The white cloth sides act as diffusers so it helps to light the entire inside of the box and prevents too much direct light. I made one a while back out of a cardboard box with a white t-shirt stretched over the sides and top which where cut out. The front was cut out as well for the camera and the back was left in tact and I could use white or black paper or whatever color I wanted and it worked pretty good until my little one decided to sit on it.

 

[goReptiles]

Nathan, did you use the 30x30 for your profile picture?

Rebecca, after a little research, I figured we could pain the wooden box and then use the sheets in addition to it to give a smooth background.

I'm still deciding. I'm liking the 3rd one best, I think because it's table top and includes the table top lights. It just looks like it may be dark on the inside.

 

[goReptiles]

What about this one?
http://www.amazon.com/Smith-Victor-IMAGEMAKER-ImageMaker-Light/dp/B000E6W24W/ref=pd_cp_p_3

Most of the ones that I've seen don't look like they have much lighting to them. I'd think a light on either side and a light on the top would be ideal.

With a homemade one, would you be able to set up lighing on all sides but the bottom and the side you're photographing from? Or would this be too much light?

It's much cheaper to take pictures outside, but it's not always ideal weather to take pictures outside.

 

[Mel&Keith]

I've tried making all kinds of light boxes and what I finally ended up sticking with is a a big (60qt-ish) Iris tub sitting on a stool with a piece of poster board in it.

I've ordered from Cowboy Studio (3rd listing in your second post) and I've been really happy with them. They've got good deals and I've been happy with their products and customer service. They have more stuff of their website too. I use these flashes.

 

[goReptiles]

Mel, so you're just using a tub for now? Is it lined in a towel or do you just use the white poster board for the bottom and back? How many of the lights do you use? They're the ones from the link you posted?

Sorry so many questions. Just trying to figure the best thing to use

 

[Mel&Keith]

I just tape the poster board on the back and bottom of the tub. It sits on it's side with the bottom of the tub as the back. I use two of those slave flashes (my link) but they are bright so one would probably do the trick if you used it from above. They're triggered by your camera's flash but I think they come with a cord, if your camera has an input jack for it you can disable your on camera flash.

 

[clear]

I built a stick frame and put white cotton table cloth inside it, works great!