Great Ebay Pictures Mean Cash - Build Your Own Light Box

I think everyone can agree that when it comes to selling product on Ebay, the picture is KING. A great set of pictures allow the buyer to clearly understand what they are bidding on in your auction. Certain items such as jewelry or coins are very difficult to photograph well and ANY item can benefit from a great set of pictures.

A very common item that those "in the know" use to take great pictures is a light box...which is essentially a small lighting studio. I know that sounds intimidaing but it really isn't and if you keep reading you will see how you can build your own home "lighting studio" for about 10 bucks.

Follow these instrutions to build a light box.
You will need the following items:

Hacksaw
File or some 80 or 100 grit sandpaper.
Velcro

2 - 1/2 x 10ft. CPVC pipe.
4 - 1/2 CPVC Tees
4 - 1/2 CPVC Street Elbows.
4 - 1/2 CPVC Caps
1 - Twin bed sheet.

All of this is available at your local hardware store, Lowes or Home Depot and should run you around 8 bucks give or take a few sheckels.

Ok...if you follow along with the pictures and the description then this should be pretty easy to follow....if it's not then you likely aren't smart enough to post auctions on Ebay anyways. :=)
















This is a picture of your component list after the pipe has been cut.
2 - 23" pieces are your front and rear frame pieces.
2 - 16" pieces are the left and right frame pieces.
4 - 14" pieces are your four legs.
4 - 1/2 inch T's will make the top frame.
4 - 1/2 inch street elbows will attach the legs.
4 - 1/2 inch caps will finish off the legs at the bottom.

You can tailor the lengths however you like depending on the size of the objects that you are shooting. I would consider the box that I am making a "medium" size.

Step by Step instructions to follow. This should go together pretty simply. Trial fit everything with NO glue of any kind first and then you can glue together as you see fit. I personally did not use any glue as the PVC fits together snugly enough for me and I fold mine up to store when not using.















Step 1: Attach the 23" pieces to the T as shown.



















Step 2: Attach the 2 16" side pieces into the T as shown. You should have the "top" of the photo box completed. Again I would use no glue at this point...Simply trial fit it together and then if you feel glue is necessary then feel free.















Step 3: Build the legs. Take each of the 4 legs that you have remaining and place 1 of the caps on one end and a street elbow on the other end.

Your completed leg should look like the one above.



















Step 4: If you insert each leg into the open port left on your top frame then you should have a contraption that resembles this one to the left. You're getting closer.

















Step 5: Attach 3 squares of velcro the rear rail of the light box as shown in the photo to the left. We will use these to attach posterboard to the box as backing.

















Step 6: Almost home. You can see the posterboard in place and the way you position the lights.


I am using white posterboard in the example but you can change it up to customize your pictures. Blue, Red and Black are common choices. Depends on your preference and you will have to experiment.


















Step 7: Lay your white sheet out over the frame rail and pull taut. Place your lights on the sides and top as you see fit. A lightweight cotton sheet works best for my tastes and is readily available to anyone in any town.


I keep my lighting simple and picked these up at Wal Mart. You will have to experiment with the placement of the lights to find your preference. I often place the lights in front looking "into" the box.

As you can see you can achieve extraordinary results with a minimal amount of money and effort and if you are taking your Ebay endeavour seriously then 10 dollars and an hour or so of your time is well worth the results that you will be able to achieve.

If you've been on Ebay for any length of time then you know that it's a SUPER competitive marketplace and any little thing to get ahead of the other sellers is worth it.

The difference between those who rise to the top and those who spend all their time thinking about it is the amount of effort and dedication that they put into the task. Contrary to what anyone tells you it won't come easy, especially at first. When you are building your Ebay empire it takes extra effort to succeed. If you're willing to put the time and effort in then you'll be successful, if not then you won't. Simple as that.

I'm a Powerseller and you can be too.