As a photographer, I’m always looking for ways to add a unique touch to my work. When I first stumbled upon the idea of a photobox — a wooden square box that allows me to capture creative full-body portraits of kids and families and stitch them together into one cohesive frame — I was instantly intrigued. It seemed like the perfect project to tackle for Christmas photos. What I didn’t realise was how much trial, error, and learning it would involve.

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The Building Process: A Journey of Patience and Perseverance

Having a decent amount of woodworking experience from building projects and even converting a van into a camper with my partner, I felt confident about constructing the box. However, reality soon set in. My first trips to the hardware store resulted in materials that didn’t quite fit together as planned. Each attempt to assemble the box left me with a structure that wobbled, cracked, or looked “off” in some way. Visible brackets, uneven edges, and a growing pile of discarded pieces made me question if I’d bitten off more than I could chew.

Eventually, after a lot of adjustments and persistence, I built a functional box. It wasn’t perfect, but it was sturdy enough to hold kids and families during photoshoots. As I later discovered, the imperfections didn’t matter as much as I thought they would — Photoshop became my best friend during the editing process!

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The Creative Process: Shooting, Editing, and Experimenting

The shooting sessions were a mix of chaos and joy. Kids loved playing in the box, and families embraced the novelty of it. Each pose required careful planning to ensure the final composition would align perfectly. It was like piecing together a puzzle, only the pieces were live, giggling, and full of energy.

Editing the photos into a single cohesive frame was where the real magic happened. It was both a technical challenge and a creative playground. I experimented with different arrangements, lighting effects, and props to bring out the festive spirit. By the end of the process, I had a set of Christmas photos that were truly one of a kind.

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Was It Worth It?

Looking back, building and using the photobox was undeniably a massive undertaking. The time spent at the hardware store, the frustration of failed attempts, and the hours poured into shooting and editing were significant. But so were the rewards.

Through this project, I learned so much — not just about photography and editing, but also about resilience, problem-solving, and the joy of creating something entirely new. Most importantly, I was able to give families something special: a set of Christmas memories that they could treasure forever. Seeing their smiles and hearing their excitement when they saw the final images made all the effort worthwhile.

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What’s Next?

This photobox project has sparked new ideas for me. I’m already brainstorming other ways to incorporate it into my photography, from themed sessions to birthday shoots. Who knows? Maybe next year, the box will make another festive appearance, perhaps with a few design upgrades.

For now, I’m cherishing the experience and the lessons learned. If there’s one thing this project has taught me, it’s that creativity often thrives in the midst of challenges. And when those challenges result in memories that bring joy to others, it’s always worth it.

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