Tatsuhobbit: Tatsu Hobbit DIY Episode 1 - Budget Light Tent - Take better photos of your kits and toys

Check out as we explain the benefits of making a budget Light Tent from materials you might already have which would make this only cost you less than $10.

Unfortunately we kept calling the Light Tent a Light Box which is a totally different thing.

Special thanks to Samir of Onionknightinc Photography for great photography advice and Cyril for his Gouf Custom model.

Materials needed:

Box - depends on the size of your preference.
Diffusion Material (4 yards)- Either thin white fabric or fiberglass fabric($2 a yard).
Desk Lamp or Clip-on Lamp (2 or 3) - Your light source.
CFL Light Bulbs - Make sure to use the same type for each light source. Preferably Daylight colored bulbs. LED Light Bulbs would also be a great alternative but more costly.
Construction Paper - as your background.
Velcro Sticky back - take attach your background to the box and make it easily swappable.
Color Filters - something extra to enhance your pictures.
Scissors - to cut your diffusion material.
Clear Tape - to attach your diffusion material.
Box Cutter - to cut holes on your box.

Instructions:

Tape the bottom of the box. Make sure it is secure and will hold it's shape.
Using your Box Cutter, Cut out the top flaps of the box.
Using your Box Cutter, Cut out 3 square holes adjacent to each other on the side of the box.
Cover the top and 2 holes on the side across from each with your diffusion material. Attach them using Clear Tape or your preferred adhesive.
Use your Velcro Sticky back on the remaining side wall and the back or your Construction Paper. Try to make sure the paper should slope onto the floor and not just cover the back ground.
Use the lamps on both or either side or above the box based on your preferred look.

Tips:

Use a tripod. Get the best photos by making sure your shots are steady!
Properly White Balance your shots. If using daylight bulbs, set your camera between 4500-6000K.
Try to set your ISO to the lowest setting for less grain and noise.
Set your Aperture properly. lower aperture means less depth of field and less things in focus but brighter images while higher aperture means greater depth of field and more things in focus but darker images. These can always be offset by compensating the amount of light used.
Use Color Filters to enhance your images and give them a more unique look.
Have fun! Experiment and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Except for maybe breaking your models.