How to Create a Soft Box for Your On Camera Flash

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HomeArticlesCommunityMy Profile WH.translationData = {};WH.mergeLang({'navlist_collapse': '- collapse','navlist_expand': '+ expand'});EditHome » Categories » Hobbies and Crafts » Photography » Photography LightingHow to Create a Soft Box for Your On Camera FlashEdited by Teresa, Eric Shiels, BR, TechFlash1 and 2 others

Pin ItArticle EditDiscussThere are solutions to diffuse your own camera flash, but they usually cost a few dollars. If you don't have the spare cash, then you can try making your own from basic everyday items at home. The soft box example in this tutorial is one made from a few items you're most likely to have in your home.

Edit Steps

Taking Measurements1Measure your camera flash. The dimensions mentioned here are for the pop up flash for a Nikon D70S. For this example, the measurement around the flash is 5cm X 2.5cm.

If you are unsure about your measurements, create a paper template with the measurements.

Preparing Templates and Cutting Shapes1Sketch out the shapes. For this sample, 13.7cm and 10cm are the measurements forming the length of the shape (which is called an isosceles trapezoid.)[1]

On the two sides that are smaller, (10cm), the bottom of the trapezoid is 2.5 cm.The larger pieces are basically trapezoids, but have tabs coming off them. The bottom of the trapezoid part of the pieces is 5cm. When creating the tabs, one will need to be shorter than the other to go under the flash.2After creating the templates (if that is what you did first), use them to cut out the shapes. If you didn't make the templates, cut out the shapes that are drawn on the cardboard.

Assembling the Soft Box1Using glue or double sided tape, fasten your choice of reflective surface (aluminum foil, Mylar, etc.), to the cardboard.

To ensure that the reflective surface stays on properly, cut it a little larger than your cardboard and tape the extras to the cardboard using scotch tape.2Piece the pieces together. Stick them such that they will be creating the box shape you need. Use scotch or masking tape to hold the pieces together, temporarily.

The image shows what it should look like at this point.Another viewpoint from the outside.3While being sure that the soft box maintains its shape, start adding the duct tape to the outside. Be sure that the gaps are closed between the pieces of cardboard. Cut off any duct tape that protrudes past the soft box.

4Periodically, as you progress in sticking it together, check to make sure that the soft box will fit your camera's flash. Check also that you aren't blocking anything with the tape.

5Get whatever you are going to use for the diffuser part of the soft box and place it on a table or surface. Be sure that it is only about a half an inch bigger than the opening of the soft box.

6Place double sided tape over the top of the box to which you will be fastening the diffusion material. Do this to all four sides.

7Place the box on top of the diffusion material. Using small amounts of scotch tape, fasten the edges over the side of the soft box.

8Using the duct tape again, secure the diffusion material to your soft box.

9Make whatever final adjustments that you need to be sure that your soft box is secure.

10Start experimenting.

Edit Video

Edit Tipshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=iv&annotation_id=annotation_836249&v=BMAx0L227nA&src_vid=VI9S-y81_4Y – research source

Edit Things You'll NeedScotch tapeCardboardReflective surfaceDouble sided tapeGlue or pasteMasking tape (optional)Scissors

Edit Related wikiHowsHow to Make Homemade Photography LightingHow to Use Light in PhotographyHow to Build a Photography Lighting ReflectorHow to Create an Inexpensive Photography LightboxHow to Make a Mini Photo Studio with LED LightingHow to Find a Three Dimensional Model to Practice PhotographyHow to Make Camera Filters and Special EffectsHow to Take Portrait Photographs

Edit Sources and Citations? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isosceles_trapezoidArticle Info Featured Article

Categories: Featured Articles | Photography Lighting

Recent edits by: Flickety, TechFlash1, BR

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