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What is a Light Box?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A light box is a tool designed for artists that consists of a backlit piece of plexiglass or frosted glass. Many visual artists use these devices in their daily work for things like looking at photographic negatives and tracing. Art supply stores sell a variety of boxes, and it is also relatively easy to make one at home, for people who need to craft a custom version.

Another term for this device is a light table, and large ones may be mounted on adjustable legs and a swivel, creating a large backlit workspace that can be rotated to various angles for comfort. Sizes and construction techniques vary. A light table may be made small with a lightweight aluminum frame so that it is portable, or it may be quite large with a heavy wooden frame, intended for stationary work.

Photographers may use a light box to photograph objects under controlled lighting conditions.
Photographers may use a light box to photograph objects under controlled lighting conditions.

Usually, a light box is distinguished from a light table because it is much more portable and it lacks legs. In some cases, one can be very large, making it technically difficult to move, while in other instances, it may be designed around a lightweight briefcase or tablet so that it can easily be ported from place to place. A box tends to be substantially less expensive than a table, since it does not have a complex framework of legs.

A light box can be used to highlight certain features on a model.
A light box can be used to highlight certain features on a model.

The placement of the lights in the device is very important, since the goal is to achieve even, crisp lighting without hot spots. Diffusers and multiple lights are often used to accomplish this, and the glass or plexiglass is usually fogged or shaded to reduce glare from the lights underneath. The whole assembly is enclosed in a sturdy frame, which often features drawers or divots for storing tools.

Lighting can impact the emotion being conveyed in a photograph.
Lighting can impact the emotion being conveyed in a photograph.

To make a light box at home, an artist will need to be able to build a framework to hold the plexiglass in. Metal picture frames work well for this purpose, as long as the artist is able to mount legs to them so that the plexiglass will be elevated. Next, a bank of lights to go behind the plexiglass must be arranged, and sides should be installed to prevent light bleeds. The lights can be anchored to a sturdy backing, such as plywood, to make the device movable.

This term is also used by photographers to refer to a small, custom built box for photographing objects under controlled lighting conditions. These light boxes are used by professional photographers to create clean, controlled environments that can be endlessly manipulated. Different backdrops can be used for specific effects, and the lighting can be altered for varying looks. For macro photography, this is a crucial tool.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

ermogui1099

The term light box also refers to a lighted display panel used for advertising purposes by a variety of businesses, especially the retailers. The panel can be illuminated by fluorescent light bulbs or LED lighting strips. The efficiency of light boxes improved dramatically after the introduction of LED technology. These lighting sources can be placed at the back of the panel, or even at the side of it.

A light box is very simple to use. You just need to insert whatever graphic you'd like to display into the light box itself and the image can be changed anytime you want. Some light boxes are designed especially for outdoor purposes so they are more weather and water proof and usually have a lock on their front end to secure the images inside. One can see such light boxes easily in any retail shop or in a movie theatre.

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    • Photographers may use a light box to photograph objects under controlled lighting conditions.
      By: bevangoldswain
      Photographers may use a light box to photograph objects under controlled lighting conditions.
    • A light box can be used to highlight certain features on a model.
      By: unpict
      A light box can be used to highlight certain features on a model.
    • Lighting can impact the emotion being conveyed in a photograph.
      By: Mat Hayward
      Lighting can impact the emotion being conveyed in a photograph.