DIY Light box, Product Photography and Clothing Photography help

Ballistics · Jul 29, 2011

I have a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blog that I do (free) product reviews for certain online merchants, and of course included are pictures. Before I bought my DSLR I was using my 8MP cell phone camera. Pictures weren't terrible, but of course I wanted to step things up. My next review is going to be shorts. Since I don't have professional lighting, I plan on doing the photography outdoors. Initially, I built a lightbox, and while I thought it would be good. It was wayyy to small and the sheets I used was a cream color (I put it together in poor light so I didn't realize until it was finished) anyway so its worthless. So I have come up with some questions.

1) For any DIYers who have built a lightbox with success, what materials did you use?

2) For those who have purchased a lightbox, how much did you spend?

3) I have a 18-105, 55-200mm, and a 50mm 1.8D in the mail - Which lens is best for this?

4) I do plan on purchasing lighting, but is there a cheaper way of doing it?

In the mean time, I will be researching at home studio set ups. If you guys have any tips for that as well please LMK.

THanks!!!

Dao · Jul 29, 2011

Strobist: How To: DIY $10 Macro Photo Studio

As for the lens, the kit lens should works fine.

noodles · Jul 29, 2011

White cardboard sheets from a craft store setup behind the product like the top of a hexagon shape work pretty good for small product photography. I just use two speed lights, once to bounce from the front and one to bounce from the back. Adjust the lights to taste depending on the product you are shooting.