Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to capture memorable moments with loved ones. Mini photoshoot sessions are a super fun and creative way to celebrate this holiday full of love and cheer. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just looking to create a festive setup at home, these ideas will help you design stunning photos while incorporating charming props.

1. Valentine’s Day Photo Booth Props
Add a playful touch to your photos with Valentine’s-themed photo booth props. These include heart-shaped glasses, "Be Mine" balloons, red bow ties, and cupid’s arrows. I love these for couples, kids, or even a fun selfie shoot. You can even try it out at your Galentine party or "in the box" photos! You can find a variety of affordable photo props here on Amazon.

2. Romantic Throw PillowsCreate a cozy atmosphere by incorporating Valentine’s-inspired throw pillows into your setup. Phrases like “P.S. I Love You” and "XOXO" add a romantic touch, while pink and red tones complement the theme. These pillows also double as beautiful home decor after the shoot. Check out some cute options here.

3. LED Candles for a Warm GlowEnhance your photos with the warm, romantic glow of LED candles. I love these because they are safe and battery-operated, creatingan inviting ambiance and look stunning when paired with other Valentine’s Day décor. It is also "in the box" safe, so don't hesitate to glow up your box if that is what you are into! Browse a selection of LED candles here.

4. Adorable Valentine’s Day GnomesValentine’s Day gnomes have become a trendy addition to holiday decor. Their whimsical charm makes them a fun and unique prop for photos. Use them as part of a vignette or let them steal the show in your setup. Discover cute gnome options here.

5. Heart-Themed BackdropsA fun and exciting  backdrop is key to tying your photoshoot together. Heart-themed designs, bright pinks, and classic red tones work wonderfully. This candy themed one is my absolute favorite! Explore backdrops here.

Tips for a Successful Mini Photoshoot and "In the Box" mini

• Plan Ahead: Decide on your theme and gather props in advance.
• Lighting Matters: Use natural light or a ring light for well-lit, vibrant photos.
• Coordinate Outfits: Suggest complementary colors like pink, white, or red for participants.
• Keep It Simple: Avoid clutter by choosing a few key props to focus on.

With these ideas and props, you can create a Valentine’s Day photoshoot that’s full of love and joy. 
Shop Valentine’s Day Photoshoot Essentials

• Valentine Mini Shoot Photography Essentials Amazon Storefront

If you are a photographer and are interested in learning the process of photographing in the box and talking with other creative, like minded people, then consider joining the THRIVING Facebook Page: INSIDE THE PHOTO BOX PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTOSHOP. This is the largest Box Photography Page on Facebook, with over 20,000 members learning Box Photography! Isn't that amazing! 

Photo Box Designs and the Facebook Group "Inside the Photo Box" also give away a FREE 3 BOX TEMPLATE along with guidelines on how to build the box and edit the photos. Grab your FREE template here: Photo Box Designs Store.

Join here: Inside the Photo Box Photography and Photoshop
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful in your endeavor to create amazing Box Photography Composites!!
​
Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram.
All photographs are the property of  © Photo Box Designs. Reproductions and downloads without permission is prohibited. 
However, you are welcome to share this post on your own site or through social media.  ​

1. The Perfect Tripod A steady tripod is a non-negotiable for crisp, professional-looking photos. Look for one with adjustable height and a phone holder that rotates 360 degrees. Bonus points if it comes with a Bluetooth remote, so you can snap away without needing an extra set of hands. Check out this top-rated tripod on Amazon.

2. Lighting Kits for That Perfect GlowLighting is everything! Ring lights and LCD panel lights are favorites among creators because they provide soft, even illumination that eliminates harsh shadows. For more dramatic effects, consider RGB lighting kits that let you play with colors to match your theme. Shop this highly-rated lighting kit here.

3. Grab a Cardboard BoxThe star of your photo shoot is, of course, the box itself! You can buy sturdy boxes from local retailers or simply repurpose one from your latest delivery. Make sure it’s in good condition with no major dents or tears for the best results. You can also purchase a sturdy one here: Check out our favorite box to shoot in here. 

4. Photo Props and AccessoriesAdd some flair to your setup with props like fairy lights, faux greenery, or themed items that match your cardboard box aesthetic. These small details can turn a good photo into a great one. Check out our favorite photo props here.

5. Phone Mounts for Tight AnglesCapturing unique angles inside a cardboard box can be tricky. A flexible phone mount with a gooseneck design allows you to get those tight, creative shots. Look for one that clamps onto any surface for maximum versatility. Browse flexible phone mounts here.

6. Editing Apps While not physical gear, editing apps are an essential part of the process. My go to is of course Photoshop, but that is not the most user friendly. Lately, and especially for my DIY photography, I LOVE Canva! Check out this video that shows you how I edit the cardboard box using Canva: 

If you are a photographer and are interested in learning the process of photographing in the box and talking with other creative, like minded people, then consider joining the THRIVING Facebook Page: INSIDE THE PHOTO BOX PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTOSHOP. This is the largest Box Photography Page on Facebook, with over 20,000 members learning Box Photography! Isn't that amazing! 

Photo Box Designs and the Facebook Group "Inside the Photo Box" also give away a FREE 3 BOX TEMPLATE along with guidelines on how to build the box and edit the photos. Grab your FREE template here: Photo Box Designs Store.

Join here: Inside the Photo Box Photography and Photoshop
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful in your endeavor to create amazing Box Photography Composites!!
​
Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram.
All photographs are the property of  © Photo Box Designs. Reproductions and downloads without permission is prohibited. 
However, you are welcome to share this post on your own site or through social media.  ​​

To get started, all you need is a free cardboard box—think shipping or moving boxes that are sturdy and big enough to sit in or interact with—and a tripod to keep your phone stable. Don’t have a tripod? No problem—stack books or use whatever you have at home to create a makeshift setup. Decorations are key to making your photos pop, so grab seasonal props like garlands, mini pumpkins, ornaments, flowers, or fairy lights. For an extra professional touch, inexpensive LED lighting is a game-changer. Battery-operated LED lights, available online or at dollar stores, add a glowing effect that works beautifully for night shots or moodier setups.

 This is great to do with kids, friends, even pets or selfies! The key is to remember to keep the box straight! 

                                    CHECK OUT THESE ESSENTIALS ON AMAZON
​
 Position your phone on the tripod, test your angles, and start shooting! Use your phone’s timer or a Bluetooth remote for hands-free photos. Play with poses and interact with your props to keep things fun and creative.

Once you are done taking your photos, I suggest cropping them in your phone's camera app to eliminate the background. I have found this to be easier then cropping them in your editing software. I like to heart the ones that I think I may use for an easy reference when it comes time to editing. 

​When it’s time to edit your photos, Canva is your best friend. This app, available on mobile and desktop, makes it easy to create your In the Box collage!  Stay tuned for a FREE TUTORIAL on how to edit your In the Box Cardboard Box collage on your Mobile Phone using Canva:. This will be posted on both  both Instagram and Tiktok. If you get a chance, please follow us there so you don't miss out! 

List includes: Selfie Lights, Boxes, Tripods and more! 

If you are a photographer and are interested in learning the process of photographing in the box and talking with other creative, like minded people, then consider joining the THRIVING Facebook Page: INSIDE THE PHOTO BOX PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTOSHOP. This is the largest Box Photography Page on Facebook, with over 20,000 members learning Box Photography! Isn't that amazing! 

Photo Box Designs and the Facebook Group "Inside the Photo Box" also give away a FREE 3 BOX TEMPLATE along with guidelines on how to build the box and edit the photos. Grab your FREE template here: Photo Box Designs Store.

Join here: Inside the Photo Box Photography and Photoshop
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful in your endeavor to create amazing Box Photography Composites!!
​
Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram.
All photographs are the property of  © Photo Box Designs. Reproductions and downloads without permission is prohibited. 
However, you are welcome to share this post on your own site or through social media.  ​

Easy Access and Compatibility
​Upon payment processing, you'll receive an instant downloadable document, ensuring quick access to all the resources. The PDF guide, video tutorials, Canva templates, and Photoshop templates are easy to use, regardless of your experience level.

If you are a photographer and are interested in learning the process of photographing in the box and talking with other creative, like minded people, then consider joining the THRIVING Facebook Page: INSIDE THE PHOTO BOX PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTOSHOP. This is the largest Box Photography Page on Facebook, with over 20,000 members learning Box Photography! Isn't that amazing! 

Photo Box Designs and the Facebook Group "Inside the Photo Box" also give away a FREE 3 BOX TEMPLATE along with guidelines on how to build the box and edit the photos. Grab your FREE template here: Photo Box Designs Store.

Join here: Inside the Photo Box Photography and Photoshop
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful in your endeavor to create amazing Box Photography Composites!!
​
Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram.
All photographs are the property of  © Photo Box Designs. Reproductions and downloads without permission is prohibited. 
However, you are welcome to share this post on your own site or through social media.  ​

One of the most important factors is EDUCATING THE CLIENT. If you want to charge a good amount for your work as a photographer and artist then your clients must value your work and understand the process. This type of photography is not like any other. You are not selling a package of 15 digital downloads. You are creating a composite that takes TIME and EXPERIENCE. You must help your clients to understand that so they can VALUE the work that you do! 

To help educate the clients, I have decided to create an In the Box Photography Client Guide. This is a .pdf that I can give to my clients as a full Client Guide magazine, individual images, single sheet pdfs or group some pages together to make a pricing guide, style guide and more. 

One of the most important parts of this guide that I incorporated is a sheet on WHERE DO THE COSTS come from? Clients will NOT understand if you don't tell them. 

I also added a few pages for pricing, styling and box layouts. 

​There are 19 Pages in total in this Family Photography Inside the Box Client guide that can be printed or shared digitally.

This template is now available to the public at our shop Photo Box Designs. 

The template is made in CANVA and all you need is a free account to edit the template. It is fully customizable and easy to use. You can add your own photos and branding to the template as well. 

Let me know what you think in the comments! 

Purchase the In the Box Photography Client guide at Photo Box Designs here: CLICK HERE

Check out our FREE Editing Tutorial . We also provide instructions on how to Build the Box, Edit the Box with all of our In the Box template purchases! 

If you are a photographer and are interested in learning the process of photographing in the box and talking with other creative, like minded people, then consider joining the THRIVING Facebook Page: INSIDE THE PHOTO BOX PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTOSHOP. This is the largest Box Photography Page on Facebook, with over 20,000 members learning Box Photography! Isn't that amazing! 

Photo Box Designs and the Facebook Group "Inside the Photo Box" also give away a FREE 3 BOX TEMPLATE along with guidelines on how to build the box and edit the photos. Grab your FREE template here: Photo Box Designs Store.

Join here: Inside the Photo Box Photography and Photoshop
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful in your endeavor to create amazing Box Photography Composites!!
​
Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram.
All photographs are the property of  © Photo Box Designs. Reproductions and downloads without permission is prohibited. 
However, you are welcome to share this post on your own site or through social media.  ​

Next I will crop the images in lightroom. If I do not have anything hanging out over the box sides (feet, objects), then I can crop one photo, select all the rest and use the Sync feature to quickly crop the entire group. However, if there are body parts hanging over, then I would need to crop each image individually.
Once all of the photos are cropped I will highlight all the images by hovering my mouse over the bottom of the page, right click and choose: "edit in"- "open as layers in Photoshop". This will bring all of your selected images into photoshop.

If you have ever seen any of my video tutorials, then you will see me crop my images in photoshop. I have more recently taken to the process of cropping in lightroom as I have found it a quicker process. 

Once you are in photoshop you will need to open up a template to place your images into. One of the most popular box photography templates is a 9 box Photoshop Grid Template. However, there are also many other configurations ranging from a single box to hundreds. You can make your own template if you have some savvy photoshop skills, or purchase a premade template from Photo Box Designs Template Store. 

​Once I have all my images in photoshop, then I will select the images that I want to transfer into the template on the layers panel. I will then use the commands : control (for a pc) or command (mac) + C to COPY all the images. Go to the template and click the command: control (for a pc) or command (mac) + V to PASTE all the images into the template.

​You must make sure that your images are BELOW the template for this to work. You can then start moving your images under the grid template to the desired configuration that you would like to achieve. 

​If you are more adventurous and have taken photos with limbs and objects that cross the barriers of the boxes, then the editing can get a little more complicated. But have no fear!! You can do this!
Here is a video that I created that shows the photoshoot and the next one is my UPDATED  editing video. It will help you to understand how to edit Box Photography "tricks". 

Here is my final image! We had a blast creating this box photo! 

Here are a few other samples that you can create using different photography template configurations. But really, the design opportunities are limitless!  

If you are a photographer and are interested in learning the process of photographing in the box and talking with other creative, like minded people, then consider joining the THRIVING Facebook Page: INSIDE THE PHOTO BOX PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTOSHOP. This is the largest Box Photography Page on Facebook, with over 20,000 members learning Box Photography! Isn't that amazing! 
Photo Box Designs and the Facebook Group "Inside the Photo Box" also give away a FREE 3 BOX TEMPLATE along with guidelines on how to build the box and edit the photos. Grab your FREE template here: Photo Box Designs Store.
Join here: Inside the Photo Box Photography and Photoshop
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful in your endeavor to create amazing Box Photography Composites!!
Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram.
All photographs are the property of  © Photo Box Designs. Reproductions and downloads without permission is prohibited. 
However, you are welcome to share this post on your own site or through social media.  ​

***********************************************************************************************************

For long time I have been fascinated by photo collages of an "In the Box" or "Inside the Photo Box". These boxes need to be large enough to fit adults and kids, therefore, I had the struggled with where to store such a large box as the space in my studio and related area is limited.

For long time I have been fascinated by photo collages of an "In the Box" or "Inside the Photo Box". These boxes need to be large enough to fit adults and kids, therefore, I had the struggled with where to store such a large box as the space in my studio and related area is limited.
I am a member of the Facebook group Inside the Photo Box photography where I learned some useful inspiration to solve my problem. The box needs to be collapsible, so I can store it aside with limited required space.
I made my box of melanin boards, 120x60cm and 16mm thick (pic1). The US equivalent size would be 4x4x2 ft.
I used 4 boards for the frame and 2 for the back side. To make it collapsible I used quick releases (pic2). I looked what I could find in my local hardware store. 

The four boards for the frame are clipped together with quick releases.
Two quick releases for the top board, two for the bottom board and two to hold the back side (pic3). The flexible part of the quick release (pic4, left side) is screwed on the left and right board, the hook-part of the quick release (pic4, right side) is screwed on the top and bottom board, and on the back side.

To secure the quick release from unintended opening, I just put a nail in the secure-hole (pic5). This might depend on the type of quick release you use (and what you might find in your local hardware store). However, it is important that you can secure and lock the quick release by any means. If they would open might cause the box to collapse – which is not a good thing while people are sitting inside the box.

​Usually you'd make the back side out of one board 120x120cm, but this was too large to fit into my car. So I used two 120x60cm boards and used hinges (pic6) to put them together. Additional advantage, I can fold it to the half size which is easier for me to store.

However, if you can make the back side out of one board, this might be better as it has more stability. But you need more space to store it.
As the back side is quite heavy, I searched for something to hook it on the top board (pic9). I used two metal angels (pic8). Then I can fix the upper board (using one additional quick release), fold the lower board down and fix it on both sides, too.

​I used one additional quick release (pic10, right side) to fix the back side on the top board.

The side boards (pic3), and especially the back side of my box (pic 12) looks a little bit messy with all these metal parts, but it works for stability and makes it collapsible.

And this is the result – my PhotoBox ready to use.With the approach I‘ve chosen I can assemble and disassemble the box without any help. Laid down with the front side on the floor, and when the frame is complete straighten up the frame. Then install the back side.
As the assembled box is quite heavy and difficult to move, I installed a handle (pic13) on each side. So, two adults can move the box quite easily. See picture above (pic3) where it is installed.

As the boards I’ve used are 16mm thick and the metal pieces are 1-2mm thick I used screws with a length of 17mm (and 3,5mm thickness) to get the maximum grip but not having the screw going through the board.

Disassembled the box can be stored easily with limited space needed (pic16).

​And this is the result – my PhotoBox ready to use.

The next phase of the project will be to build a base.

• As the bottom board have screwed pieces this would scratch the floor.
• Some more height might be better for the camera tripod.
• Some “white area” below the box would be useful for overlapping between boxes.

Thomas Fenchel, Photographer from Germany
Instagram: www.instagram.com/fotografie_fenchel
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fotografiefenchel
Web: www.fotografie-fenchel.de
​
If you are a photographer and are interested in learning the process of photographing in the box and talking with other creative, like minded people, then consider joining the THRIVING Facebook Page: INSIDE THE PHOTO BOX PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTOSHOP. This is the largest Box Photography Page on Facebook, with over 20,000 members learning Box Photography! Isn't that amazing!

Photo Box Designs and the Facebook Group "Inside the Photo Box" also give away a FREE 3 BOX TEMPLATE along with guidelines on how to build the box and edit the photos. Grab your FREE template here: Photo Box Designs Store.

Join here: Inside the Photo Box Photography and Photoshop
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful in your endeavor to create amazing Box Photography Composites!!

Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram.
All photographs are the property of  © Thomas Fenchel. Reproductions and downloads without permission is prohibited. 
However, you are welcome to share this post on your own site or through social media.  

Hi, I’m Alissa Beth. You might know me as the "box lady" from the Inside the Photo Box Photography and Photoshop Facebook and the Photo Box Designs Shop on Etsy, or maybe from my work as a portrait and landscape photography via Alissa Beth Photography. Taking photos and digital art has been my passion for over 14 years now, and they’re not going anywhere. But recently, I’ve decided to add a new creative adventure into the mix- focusing on the reality of  being a Gen Xer though humor on TikTok and Instagram.

I launched My Gen X Life on TikTok on December 15, and it’s been a fun ride so far. At first I had no idea what I was doing. Although I have a Tiktok for Photo Box Designs, I really never gave it much love as I have always concentrated on Facebook and my groups there. This past winter the cardboard box trend exploded on Instagram and Tiktok and I realized that I needed get with the times and start becoming a more active participant on those platforms as well. After dabbling with posting my box shoots and watching some of the posts go viral, I tried posting more lifestyle content and failed miserably. I realized that I was posting outside of my niche and would probably need to start another page geared more towards the Gen-X Lifestyle. So far, the response has been incredible—hitting 10k followers in just the first month felt like a huge accomplishment. But it was not easy! I fully deep dived into tiktok and started to understand the algorithem and what kind of videos worked and what didn't. My first few videos were terrible, I literally had no idea what I was doing. I spent a lot of time looking at other creators videos to see what styles they were using, what kind of "hooks" they utilized, their format, pacing, length and even how they applied their text. This helped me immensely to start to figure out what kind of vibe I wanted to present on my page. Although I’m still in the learning phase, gaining clarity on why I’m doing this has made the process feel more intentional and manageable.

Then the ban happened, and I realized I’d been putting all my eggs in one basket. It was a wake-up call that pushed me to diversify and start posting on Instagram.​ I assumed I could just repost my tiktok content and grow an Instagram in the same fashion. Boy was I wrong!! What worked on Tiktok did NOT work on Instagram and visa versa!  It’s been a bit of a learning curve, but growing to 1k followers in the first week felt like a real win as I’ve been learning the ropes of creating short, engaging videos for a totally different audience and completely different platform. While TikTok thrives on quick humor and relatability, with an algorithm that helps you grow rapidly, Instagram offers a more polished, curated experience, taking a slower but steady approach to growth.

​This whole experience has been and still is a huge learning curve. From figuring out how to film and edit videos that feel authentic, to embracing the trial-and-error process of creating content, I’ve discovered that trying something new at this stage of life is both humbling and exhilarating. And the best part? I have only just begun! Although it is overwhelming because there is so much to learn, I feel invigorated and excited to continue this process and see where it takes me! 

So what's next? To be clear, I’m not leaving photography. I love the Box Photo community that I have built with the 33,000 people in the Facebook group. Watching photographers learn  something new, and my ability as an educator to help them grow has been and still is one of the greatest accomplishments of my career. If anything, this new venture has added another layer to my creative journey. It’s a chance to highlight the fun, colorful sides of life while still staying true to who I am. It also allows me to begin to learn new skills such as video editing and hopefully learning how to add in some visual tricks as I go along. Photography is still my foundation, but My Gen X Life is giving me the freedom to branch out and share more of who I am and  what I love in a new way.

If you’re curious about the tools that help me bring this content to life, here are the 5 pieces of equipment that I have been using all month from my Amazon storefront and LOVE! As a techie and photographer, I am not new to a good tripod or light, but content creation is a different animal. Instead of using a professional camera or lighting, I am using inexpensive selfie lights and my cell phone. WHY? Because its easy to use! The camera, editing software and apps all live in the space making it portable and quick! The lighting and magnetic phone mounts are easy to pop into my bag so I can create content anywhere! Here are my top favorite items: 

• Electronic Portable Phone Mount: This is the most handy tool in my toolbox at the moment. It sticks to almost anything that is smooth. I LOVE IT!
• Phone tripod: Perfect for hands-free filming, I love this one because the phone attaches with a magnet.. so much easier than a clip!
• Mini Microphone: Great for doing voiceovers and eliminating the background noise.
• Mini Selfie Light: This is rechargable and clips to your phone.
• Ring Light: Well... because good lighting is fundamental! 
• Dual Light System: I really like these. The ring light is a great cheaper option, but this double light system comes with light stands, is rechargeable and wireless, which adds a bonus to the usability factor.

This is just the beginning of My Gen X Life, and I’m so excited to see where it takes me. If you’re looking for a little humor, creativity, and a reminder that it’s never too late to try something new, I’d love for you to follow along on TikTok and Instagram.
Thanks for being part of this journey with me. Here’s to embracing creativity and living fully at every age!
— Alissa Beth

If you are a photographer and are interested in learning the process of photographing in the box and talking with other creative, like minded people, then consider joining the THRIVING Facebook Page: INSIDE THE PHOTO BOX PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTOSHOP. This is the largest Box Photography Page on Facebook, with over 20,000 members learning Box Photography! Isn't that amazing! 

Photo Box Designs and the Facebook Group "Inside the Photo Box" also give away a FREE 3 BOX TEMPLATE along with guidelines on how to build the box and edit the photos. Grab your FREE template here: Photo Box Designs Store.

Join here: Inside the Photo Box Photography and Photoshop
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful in your endeavor to create amazing Box Photography Composites!!
​
Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram.
All photographs are the property of  © Photo Box Designs. Reproductions and downloads without permission is prohibited. 
However, you are welcome to share this post on your own site or through social media.  ​