I got an email a couple days ago from a friend, referring to a possible customer (his boss) that needs items photographed for their side business. The photos need to be in a “studio-like setting.” So, I looked for an DIY article explaining how to build a light box (also called a light tent).
Digital Photography School is at the top of Google search results with “How to Make A Inexpensive Light Tent.”
I didn’t plan on doing this regularly. However, if I could get more customers that’d need this service:
- I’d offset the cost of the light tent, and
- It’d be another way to generate a little income.
Problem: I don’t have any free space in my apartment, so I don’t know where I’d store the light tent.
Please give me your opinion – what would you do?
All Narfed Up 
If the items are small why don’t you try just building something like this:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=281524
There are tons of DIY Lightbox/tent tutorials and all seem to be based on a cardboard box and paper. The lights appear to be the most costly, but you might be able to pick up some clip on lights at home depot or ikea that take a normal bulb for pretty cheap.
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@Blackstock (Jeff) – It’s going to be a full catalog of various gift baskets. I’m definitely going to build it with a cardboard box and paper.
I guess I could collapse it afterward. I could also just store the lights in our garage storage box or something.
Thanks for the input!
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Sounds like you will need a pretty large box.
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look on ebay- search “soft box light tent”, you will find kits with lights and carrying cases. tents from 12″-32″, and bigger; for under $100. or build one from a box, for a one time deal, and save $50. buy cheap desk lights (with wide rims- lowes and HD have em for $11 each) and strong “white” florescent energy saver bulbs.
go for it!
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