Step inside something different with our In the Box line—an easy, creative way to build the popular boxed portrait look using real photography, simple studio tools, and polished finishing products. Whether you’re creating playful children’s portraits, milestone sessions, pet photos, or storytelling composites, our In the Box system helps you capture individual images and transform them into eye-catching multi-image artwork.

From backdrops and frames to templates and overlays, everything is designed to work together so you can create professional results with less guesswork and more fun.

Already have a 4x4' wood box in your studio? No problem—we’ve got you covered! Check out our 4x4' Fleece backdrops, made especially to fit your 4x4' wood box and give you even more creative options for your In the Box sessions.

Your box setup begins with the 6x6' back wall, which creates the backdrop for each individual “box” image. This is the main panel your subject will be photographed against and the foundation of the whole setup.

To build the 6x6' back wall, use:

DreamFlat Flex Duo Wall - TWO 3x7.5'/3x6' Adjustable DreamEasy DreamFlat Frames

and

6x6' Silicone Edge Backdrops

This setup uses two 3x6' DreamFlat Flex frames connected together to create one seamless 6x6' background. Once assembled, the silicone edge backdrop fits tightly into the frame for a smooth, wrinkle-free surface that looks polished straight out of camera.

Next, decide whether you want to add side walls. These are optional, but they help create a more immersive and realistic boxed-in look during capture. Side panels can add dimension, make lighting feel more contained, and help your final composite feel more like a true room or box rather than just a flat background.

To add side walls, use:

DreamFlat Flex Duo Addon Sides - TWO 3x7.5'/3x6' Adjustable DreamEasy DreamFlat Frames

Or, get the complete frame setup for your box build here:

DreamFlat Flex In the Box Builder - FOUR 3x7.5'/3x6' Adjustable DreamEasy DreamFlat Frames

Get the side panels here:

3x6' In the Box Silicone Edge Backdrops

The side walls are made with two additional adjustable DreamFlat Flex frames, one for each side. If you want the most complete “inside a real box” experience, we recommend using them.

If you want to keep your setup simpler, faster, or smaller, you can absolutely skip the side walls. That’s one of the reasons the overlays are so helpful later in Photoshop—they can help create the illusion of finished box edges and structure even if you only photographed against the back wall.

Once your wall setup is ready, you’ll want a clean floor surface to complete the look. A white floor helps keep the final box bright, clean, and easy to blend into your finished design.

We recommend using Smooth Snow (a 4x8' Fleece Skinny would work):

Smooth Snow Skinny

Smooth Snow Floor

Smooth Snow

Here’s a helpful tip: you do not have to buy a new floor if you already have something that works. The back side of a backdrop you already own may give you the clean neutral surface you need. If it lays smooth and photographs cleanly, use it. Easy.

The goal is simply to give your subject a bright base to stand, sit, or pose on so the final composite feels finished and intentional.

Now it’s time for the fun part—photographing your subject.

Capture however many images you want for your final design:

• 4 images
  
• 9 images
  
• 16 images
  

You can change poses, expressions, props, outfits, or actions from frame to frame to tell a story or create a playful sequence. This is what makes In the Box portraits so fun—they feel interactive, creative, and full of personality.

A few helpful tips while shooting:

• Keep your camera angle and height consistent
  
• Try not to move your setup between shots
  
• Keep lighting as consistent as possible from image to image
  
• Leave enough room around your subject so they fit comfortably inside each box
  
• If creating a sequence, think ahead about how the images will interact side by side
  

This is especially fun for kids, pets, milestone sessions, themed portraits, and playful storytelling setups.

Once you’ve finished shooting, take your 4, 9, or 16 final images into one of our Photoshop In the Box templates.

Inside the template, you’ll:

• place each image into its box
  
• resize as needed
  
• reposition for the best composition
  
• edit and color-correct
  
• build your final multi-image layout
  

The templates do the heavy lifting of arranging everything neatly, so you can focus on making the images look polished and cohesive.

This is where your box portrait really starts to come to life.

If you didn't use side wall, you can add one of our In the Box overlays over the top of your completed template.

The overlay is what helps sell the illusion. It adds:

• seamless box edges
  
• side structure
  
• roof lines
  
• finished framing details
  

If you did not use side walls while shooting, the overlay helps create those missing sides for you in the final artwork. If you did use side walls, the overlay helps enhance and clean up the overall box effect so everything feels crisp, finished, and dimensional.

This final layer is what ties the whole concept together and gives your portrait that polished, professional In the Box look.

OVERLAYS COMING SOON!