How to Create a Lightbox Photo

Uncover my journey to create a lightbox photo and transform it into an abstract image.

Discover the abstract photography tips below to enhance your lightbox photos while prioritising comfort needs and responsible photography practices.

Lingering

“You need to pick and choose to see what matches the visual ideas you have for your image.

Be open to the possibilities that artistic serendipity sends your way!

~ Harold Davis

1 My Journey into Lightbox Photo Create

My journey into floral photography began with creating images of flowers, leaves, and nature in my garden. I would create images in the hour leading up to sunset.

Then, I purchased an entry-level Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera. In addition, I learnt to use it in manual mode.

My goal was to develop my style, leading me to learn photography composition and techniques. After that, I consistently experimented with intentional camera movement, and I created abstract photographs.

From there, I journeyed into the realms of textures and painterly techniques.

More importantly, my abstract style was created. Additionally, my style continually evolves.

2 Inspiration

In March 2012, I discovered the book Photographing Flowers, Exploring Macro Worlds with Harold Davis. I was inspired by the desire to shoot flowers in macro using a lightbox. And he added textures to some of his images.

However, it would still be a while before I owned a lightbox. So, I could use it to create my images.

In 2015, I joined the Williamstown Camera Club. I have been exposed to new camera techniques, photography and art composition, and competitions. We learn from each other and develop our craft. Moreover, all this has assisted me in developing and growing as a photographer.

In 2015, I attended my first VAPS (Victorian Association of Photographers Societies Inc.) convention in Bendigo. One of the presenters was Julieanne Kost, the Photoshop and Lightroom evangelist. Her presentations inspired me with her images using intentional camera movement.

Next, Kathleen Clemons turned up on my radar. Above all, her close-up shots of flowers are abstract and painterly, caught my attention and inspired my imagination.

I strive to stand out by crafting distinctive and imaginative images that capture attention, evoke emotions, and provoke thought. My deep immersion in the realm of design allows me to explore diverse techniques and styles, continually pushing the limits of conventional artistry.

My passion lies in creating abstracts that invite personal interpretation and resonate profoundly, encouraging viewers to connect with the artwork on their terms.

3 Setting up the shot

The before shot was created using a small lightbox. My daughter found the lightbox at Kmart, which is shown below. It is 29.8 cm long, 14.3 cm wide, and 6.4 cm deep. The lit-up area is 28.9 cm long and 13.1 cm wide.

Using the lightbox with the light turned on meant I did not use a flash. Other lights in the room were turned off, so no reflections would appear in the image. Therefore, I could lean over the lightbox due to its size, so a tripod was not used.

In addition, the clear Perspex was taken off the box.

4 Getting the Shot

I found some decaying brown leaves at my son’s farm. When the leaves are green, they aren’t transparent. Thus, they’re not suited to be used on a lightbox. Whereas the decayed brown leaves are translucent when placed on a lightbox when switched on. As a result, reflections of light shine through the leaves, creating varying shades of dark and light in parts of the leaves.

I used a Canon EOS 550D, an entry-level crop sensor DSLR camera, to create an image of the three leaves. The lens I used is the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM.

The DSLR was used in manual mode, and the settings are f/2.8 aperture, 1/100 second shutter, ISO400 and 100mm focal length.

I sat on a chair and leaned over the lightbox to get the shot. I tried different combinations of a leaf and three leaves and various angles. In addition, I moved in closer to fill the frame. And I took some further away. The composition of three leaves that suited my desires is shown below.

5 Post-Production and Final Image

Next, the image of the three leaves was edited in Lightroom and Photoshop. Using a series of layers, blend modes, and textures, the final abstract image resulted in Lingering.

Find below the afterimage, Lingering.

6 Awards

I am honoured that my lightbox photo, Lingering, achieved Print Image of the Year in A Grade at Williamstown Camera Club 2018. It was placed first in A Grade Print in the Traces competition the same year.

Abstract Photography Tips to Create a Lightbox Photo

Explore twenty insightful tips for abstract photography to help you craft a stunning lightbox photo while incorporating comfort-focused practices and responsible photography guidelines.

1. Explore with Translucent Items

Artistically place materials that become see-through, such as lace, vibrant leaves, flowers, or sheer fabrics, atop a lightbox. Observe the interplay of light that passes through the materials to create unique textures and showcase your composition.

Tips: Pre-select lightweight and easy-to-handle items to reduce fine motor fatigue. Play with sustainable and recycled translucent materials (e.g., packaging). Avoid buying new materials.

2. Infuse Your Work with Everyday Objects

Utilise everyday items like glassware, utensils, or crinkled plastic wrappers to produce intriguing abstract patterns illuminated from below. Reveal beauty in the mundane.

Tips: Pick familiar items within arm’s reach. Celebrate imperfections; reuse worn items instead of discarding them for aesthetics.

3. Experiment with Liquids

Add droplets of water, shimmering oil, and vividly coloured fluids to a clear surface. This creates mesmerising effects that draw the viewer in.

Tips: Use droppers and small syringes to control the amount of liquid and reduce spills, which helps with fine motor limitations. Use eco-friendly, non-toxic liquids and dispose of them responsibly.

4. Layer Different Items

Stack materials and objects to enhance depth and complexity within your abstract images. Allow for an enriched narrative.

Tips: Prepare item layers in advance. Use trays and folders for organisation. Avoid single-use materials; opt for reusable sheets, fabric scraps, and paper.

5. Play with a Macro Lens

Use the macro lens to get close to your subject. Expose intricate details and textures that often escape the naked eye, capturing them through your camera with newfound clarity.

Tips: Use a smartphone with a clip-on macro lens to reduce heavy camera handling. Focus on natural textures and existing items rather than sourcing new elements.

6. Adjust Your Exposure Settings

Play with your camera’s manual settings to overexpose and underexpose your shots. Provide varied and striking abstract effects that challenge perception.

Tips: Use camera presets and auto exposure modes to reduce cognitive load. Use ambient lighting and low-energy LED lights to reduce power usage.

7. Create Motion Blur

Gently move your camera to introduce a sense of dynamism during long exposures to create motion blur. Breathe life and movement into your images.

Tips: Use a tripod and stabilising surfaces to avoid the need for handheld long exposure. Highlight natural and found movement (e.g., leaves blowing) rather than manufactured effects.

8. Photograph Through Objects

Shoot through the object. Use frosted glass, translucent plastic, and soft fabric. Creatively distort and abstract your subject and add an intriguing layer of unpredictability.

Tips: Secure objects (glass, mesh, etc.) safely on a flat surface to avoid the need for holding and balancing. Upcycle objects like used jars and windows rather than purchasing props.

9. Introduce Mirrors

Use mirrors to reflect elements of your composition. Integrate layers of symmetry and complexity to enhance visual interest.

Tips: Use shatterproof and handheld acrylic mirrors for safety and lighter handling. Repurpose old mirrors; avoid buying decorative ones that may have ethical sourcing concerns.

10. Experiment with Shadows

Position objects at different distances from the lightbox to cast alluring and intricate shapes from the shadows that dance across the lightbox’s surface.

Tips: Use a fixed light source to prevent the need to move objects frequently. Work near a window and with natural light to reduce energy consumption.

11. Create Intriguing Patterns

Arrange similar items in repetitive designs to form patterns. Explore rhythms and harmonies that emerge from repetition.

Tips: Use stencils and printed guides if hand placement precision is difficult. Use reusable tools and templates rather than single-use patterned paper and vinyl.

12. Make Use of Transparent Containers

Use see-through containers and fill them with coloured liquids and small objects. Observe interactions with light and create dramatic effects.

Tips: Choose lightweight, easy-grip containers with wide openings for easier access. Repurpose food jars and packaging for a zero-waste approach.

13. Capture Different Textiles

Integrate various fabrics to introduce diverse textures and levels of translucency into your compositions. Enrich the quality of your work.

Tips: Pick tactile-friendly and easy-to-fold fabrics for less hand strain. Feature sustainable and secondhand textiles, and highlight traditional fabrics that are ethically sourced.

14. Employ Cutouts

Put paper cutouts and stencils on the lightbox to form defined shapes and eye-catching patterns that guide the viewer’s gaze.

Tips: Use pre-cut shapes and digital templates if fine cutting is challenging. Reuse off-cuts and make cutouts from recycled paper to minimise waste.

15. Reproduce Reflections

Use shiny surfaces to capture reflections. Apply new dimensions and layers to your photographs and play with light and perspective.

Tips: Work with lightweight reflective materials like foil sheets that are easy to manoeuvre. Reuse aluminum foil and mirrored packaging, avoiding synthetic glitter and harmful microplastics.

16. Experiment with Colored Liquids

Mix various hues of coloured liquids. Observe the interactions of the coloured liquids and the beautiful gradients that emerge.

Tips: Use food colouring and natural dyes in dropper bottles for easy dispensing. Avoid harsh dyes; choose biodegradable colourants and plant-based alternatives.

17. Use Natural Elements

Incorporate natural elements such as leaves, soft petals, and delicate feathers. Bring organic textures and a touch of nature into your creative work.

Tips: Choose small, manageable items (e.g., leaves, petals) and prepare them on a tray. Only gather what has naturally fallen; don’t pick and damage plants and ecosystems.

18. Make the Most of Prisms and Crystal Items

Use prisms and crystal objects to refract light and generate rainbows and other captivating effects. And enhance your visual storytelling.

Tips: Use lightweight acrylic prisms and position them securely to prevent strain. Choose ethically sourced and secondhand crystals to reduce environmental impact.

19. Make Use of Negative Space

Apply negative space by leaving areas of your composition empty. Highlight and emphasise your chosen subject to allow it to command attention.

Tips: Pre-plan composition using a phone grid overlay and printed visual guides. Embrace simplicity; less visual clutter means less material use and waste.

20. Photograph in Black and White

Consider shooting in black and white and removing colour. This effectively draws attention to shapes, textures, and contrasts. Highlight the beauty found within simplicity.

Tips: Use auto settings and filters to reduce the need for post-processing. Highlight texture and form using reused materials instead of new objects.

Take a leap of faith, explore, and express yourself through lightbox photo creation and your photography.

Create a Lightbox Photo: More Ideas for Inspiration

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Discover inspiration for your photography through the beauty of travel. Explore my curated list of photography and travel photography books designed to ignite your creativity while you explore the world.

Travel can be a profound source of inspiration; on your journeys, what has sparked your creativity and shaped your perspective?