Light Box Tips & Tricks Needed

[StatikStepz]

I just got done building a light box, but need some advice on something.

I attempted a few Quick photos when I finished it, but they all came out with a very dark and yellow tint to them. Do I need a special kind of bulb, or is it the positioning of the light fixture itself, or a setting on the camera I need to change, or what?

I took photos with automatic setting, no flash, macro... tried a bunch of different things, but they all came out with the same tone to them. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[thegeckoguy23]

usually its just the light changing that does that

 

[StatikStepz]

usually its just the light changing that does that

...to what? lol

 

[jfreels]

You said "light fixture". You should have more than one source, unless your light box is very small. What kind of bulb are you using?

Anything over 12"x12"x12" should probably have a light on both sides and the top for best results. Use full spectrum bulbs, CF are fine.

 

[Mel&Keith]

If the pictures are coming out dark then you may need another light or brighter bulb if you fixture is rated for it but try lightening them in post processing first. Dark pictures are much easier to fix than overexposed pictures. As for the yellow tint, incandescent household bulbs will cause that. Do you have a white balance adjustment on your camera? Most cameras will let you set the white balance to compensate for the overly yellow indoor lighting temperature. It's worth a shot before spending money on an expensive bulb.

 

[herpencounter]

I use three light sources one from above two from the side (at slightly different angles). Must use bulbs in the 5500K range (same color temperature as the sun). I use 40w compact florescent daylight bulbs made by n:vision.

 

[Rhizo]

Go to the hardware store and pick up CF bulbs K temp of ~5,000. For me, those work best when I'm photographing food.