Amazon Basics Portable Photo Studio Box

We’ve been taking pictures of the stuff we sell online for years. We started with blank walls and thought those were pretty good. Then we got one of the soft, pop-up boxes to take pictures in, and the white background was even better. The problem we always had was lighting, and to a lesser degree, reflections. We tried lighting it up with studio lights that shine through the fabric like a soft box. That was okay, but had a weird color that had to be corrected in editing. Then we tried natural sunlight shining through the tent. That worked best, but always left one side in shadows. Plus, it still cast a weird color to correct. And there was still the issue of reflections which we fixed in editing.We found this type of LED photo box a while ago and thought it looked pretty nifty with its own light inside. But they were awfully expensive. When we found the Amazon Basics model, it was a better price, but still a little rich. So we waited for a sale before we caved and bought it.Why didn’t we order this a long time ago? We’re taking the brightest pictures yet, and the reflections are history!First, we’ll admit that it’s a bit bulky. It’s a plus that it folds for storage (and transport, although, we won’t be traveling with it). But it’s just a tad awkward to raise it up and down. The main bulk is in the top where the lights are and in the fold-down plastic that makes the back wall. The concept of unfolding it is easy, but the execution takes a little coordination to hold the light, pull it open without overstretching these elastics that are inside, and pull down that wall so it has support. Closing it is the opposite, but you have to make sure the top doesn’t fall when you release that wall. We decided that it’s easier to open/close on its side on the floor, and then lift it onto the counter. Again, none of this is hard. It’s just strange until you get used to it.Once it was on the counter, the first thing we noticed was the height. We’re using the kitchen island because it’s a good height for taking pictures without too much bending, and it’s the only place we have a plug convenient. You may have a better spot, so this may not apply. We just wanted to note that its natural height on a normal counter makes for a reach to put the camera over the top photo hole (which we love, by the way). Maybe we’re just too short and should get a ladder. Or we should put it on a shorter table. Yes, there are solutions. We’re simply telling you about the height to the top hole and cord storage compartment in case you can picture yourself in this situation.Inside the photo box, it’s our new happy place. We like the overall size of the box that accommodates most items. The background is broad enough that we don’t have to edit the corners out of the pictures. We haven’t tried it yet with larger things, like clothes, that require a little space to spread out, so there still may be some edges in the pictures. Anyway, we really like the smooth vinyl backdrop. Unlike our other tent with a fuzzy backdrop that got dirty and then lost splotches of fuzz when we washed it, this backdrop easily wipes clean. There are a few wrinkles in the backdrop where it folds for storage, but the instructions say that those can be ironed out from the backside. We haven’t tried that yet. We see that the backdrop is on a rod that looks like it could snap out, but we see no reason to snap it out unless Amazon starts selling other colors of interchangeable backdrops for these boxes. We also like that there’s plenty of Velcro to hold flaps in place as needed.Now can we talk about the light? Oh, heavens, LED light at last! It’s so beautiful that it’s almost tiring to the eyes after long photo sessions. But the way that the box is so white and our objects are in vivid, natural color with no side shadows is worth it. We have to get used to closing the front flap though. We’ve always just stood in front of the old tent, so old habits are hard to break. But when we do that, we notice that there is still a subtle discoloring that has to be corrected. When we close the flap, the light bounces off the white in all directions and results in brighter pictures.Did we mention how much we like the holes to shoot through? Finally, most of those pesky self-reflections are eliminated. Depending upon the object you’re photographing and the angle through the hole, you still may see the reflection of the camera lens peeking in, but that’s better than seeing you and the room behind you. The magnetic strips make it a breeze to fling open any hole and have the flap catch without hanging in the wind. We’ve used all the holes, but the top might just be our favorite. We’ve always tried to take top angles, but they either come out blurry or crooked from the awkward way you have to hold the camera. With this box, we can just set the camera on top so it’s steady, and it really is shooting straight down. Oh, the wonders we should have treated ourselves to long ago!If we had to find one con, it’s that there is no on/off switch for the light. You have to plug it and unplug it. The power cord plugs into a small opening covered by a flap near the top left rear. In and out is on and off. A small inline toggle switch would have been nice and less wearing on the pin. As long as that doesn’t break, it’s not a deal breaker to this otherwise fabulous new photo toy! Now if only our stuff would start selling faster with the beautiful new pictures.