DIY - Wood Photography Posing Block.
This past week I DIY’d a posing block for our photography studio. Online, these things go for anywhere from $100-300 per block. I couldn’t wrap my brain around spending that much on something like this, so I decided to try making it myself.
I searched and searched online and had a very hard time finding information on how to build something like this, so I had to make it up as I went. I wanted to share what I did below. Please excuse my lack of carpentry knowledge (this is the first time I have ever attempted something like this)! I tried my best and wanted to share this with others in hopes to encourage others to build their own as well!
Tools + Supplies Needed:
3/4” thick good quality plywood (I got 2’x4’ pieces)
Saw + saw bench (I used a compact circular saw by Worx)
Clamps to secure wood while cutting
Liquid nails or similar wood glue
Paint brush + small roller
Flat paint
Polyurethane sealer
Large t-square ruler (I didn’t have one when doing this project and it would have helped a lot)
Drill + drill bits
1.5” screws (if using 3/4 inch plywood)
Electric sander + sand paper
Wood filler
Step one:
Cut the pieces that will be your “top” first. I made mine 2’x2’. This will determine how big you need to cut your sides. If you are putting a bottom on as well (I left mine open on the bottom so I could use it as storage or stack other boxes inside this one), then you will need to cut two pieces the same size.
Step two:
Your side pieces have to edge up into each other. Meaning, if your wood is 3/4” thick, and your top is 24”x24”, then your side pieces need to be 23 1/4” long. This is to allow the extra 3/4 inch so the pieces can fit into each other and be flush. If you are really fancy, you could do some sort of beveling on the edges to get them to fit together - maybe this will be what I try on my next box!
As I went, I sort of cut a piece of wood, then tried it out against the top piece, then cut again. I just sort of kept shaving off part of the wood until I got it just right. I know this is probably not the best way of doing it, but I was figuring it out as I went.
Step three:
Once you get your pieces the size they should be, use liquid glue (and clamps if you have them) to start putting your wood box together. The liquid glue is to help you get things in place so that you can secure them better with screws.
Step four:
Once the liquid glue is dry (or somewhat dry), use a drill bit to get your screw marks started. Then screw in all sides and top (I did three along each edge).
Step five:
I used a wood filler to fill in any gaps and screw holes. In hindsight, I would take more time really getting this step right and I would have bought more wood filler. The goal is to make the box as smooth as possible.
Step six:
Once the wood filler is dry, I sanded down the box to get it as smooth as I could.
Step seven:
Lastly, I painted the box with a flat white paint and then sealed with a polyurethane sealer.
One week later of using the box (How it’s going):
I’ve used this box for 4 shoots so far this week and so far so good! It’s SUPER sturdy (I’m so glad I used all the extra steps of adding liquid glue for a super tight seal and nice and strong screws). My only complaint is I’m finding it’s getting scuff marks pretty quickly. I may need to touch it up with a fresh coat of paint every so often. But otherwise I’m happy to report that this thing is awesome! So glad I made it, I plan to make 2 more in different sizes!