Create a Soft Box for Your On Camera Flash

There 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.

Steps

Taking Measurements

  1. Measure 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 {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} X 2{{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}.
    • If you are unsure about your measurements, create a paper template with the measurements.

Preparing Templates and Cutting Shapes

  1. Sketch out the shapes. For this sample, {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} and {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} 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 {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}.
    • The larger pieces are basically trapezoids, but have tabs coming off them. The bottom of the trapezoid part of the pieces is {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}. When creating the tabs, one will need to be shorter than the other to go under the flash.
  2. After 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 Box

  1. Using 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.
  2. Piece 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.
  3. While 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.
  4. Periodically, 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.
  5. Get 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.
  6. Place double sided tape over the top of the box to which you will be fastening the diffusion material. Do this to all four sides.
  7. Place the box on top of the diffusion material. Using small amounts of scotch tape, fasten the edges over the side of the soft box.
  8. Using the duct tape again, secure the diffusion material to your soft box.
  9. Make whatever final adjustments that you need to be sure that your soft box is secure.
  10. Start experimenting.



Tips

Things You'll Need

  • Scotch tape
  • Cardboard
  • Reflective surface
  • Double sided tape
  • Glue or paste
  • Masking tape (optional)
  • Scissors

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isosceles_trapezoid
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