BouDIY® Faux Window Light Tutorial

The Ultimate Hack for Gorgeous, Movable “Window” Light—Without the Expensive Gear or Natural Light Drama

Think gorgeous window-lit boudoir photos are only for studios with big bright spaces and huge budgets? Think again!

This BouDIY® Faux Window Light was built through trial, error, sweat, prayers, and zip ties—and now, it’s your turn to skip the headache and go straight to the hack that works. Whether you’re shooting in a tiny room, a rented space, or just want killer light on command, this training shows you how to build my signature light source using budget-friendly supplies and a few easy tricks.

Here’s What You’ll Learn in This Training:

• My exact Faux Window setup that mimics natural light without relying on unpredictable weather or expensive lights

• How to build your own window using a foam board, LED lights, and Alien Tape

• The difference between wall-mounted vs. portable builds—and when to use each

• Curtain-hanging tricks to soften and diffuse the light for ultra-flattering skin tones

Materials You’ll Need:

• 1 piece of foam board (cut to 3x4 feet ) available at Home Depot or Lowe’s)

• 6 LED lights

• Alien Tape or zip ties (Alien Tape is faster and cleaner)

• 3M Velcro strips (for mounting to walls)

• Curtains and metal hooks for soft, diffused lighting

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the lights flicker?
Yes, these LED strips do flicker slightly, but it’s not a problem for still photography. The flicker only becomes noticeable when shooting video—especially at certain shutter speeds. For photo use, you can eliminate most of the flicker by slightly adjusting your shutter speed (try slowing it down or speeding it up until it resolves). This is a common workaround and doesn’t impact image quality.

Can I hang the faux window bulbs horizontally?
Technically, yes—you can hang the window horizontally, but the lighting effect changes dramatically. This design is optimized for vertical (up and down) orientation to mimic the direction and falloff of natural window light. When hung horizontally, shadows can fall unnaturally and create less flattering lines across the body or face. For best results, stick with vertical mounting.

Are the lights dimmable?
No. These particular LED strips are not dimmable—even when used with a plug-in dimmer. They operate at full brightness only. However, you can easily control the intensity by:

• Adding a sheer curtain or fabric layer in front of the window

• Moving the subject farther from the faux window

• Adjusting your camera settings (ISO, aperture, and shutter speed)

Can I use different LED lights than the ones shown?
You can, but I recommend sticking with daylight-balanced LED strips (between 4000K-5000K) for the most natural look. Avoid colored LEDs or “warm white” strips unless you're aiming for a very specific tone. Make sure the lights are continuous.

Can this be mounted directly to a wall or ceiling?
Yes. If you don’t need portability, you can skip the foam board and mount the LED strips directly onto a wall using 3M tape or Alien Tape. However, using foam board gives you flexibility to move the light setup around your space, use it in different rooms, or even take it on location.

How do I hang curtains to diffuse the light?
The easiest way is to install small metal hooks above your faux window and loop your curtain rod (or just the curtain itself) onto those hooks. Another option is to mount tension rods or use 3M curtain rod brackets. Soft diffusion will take your light from “good” to “gorgeous,” especially for skin tones and mood.

Will it damage my walls?
Not if you use the recommended materials. I suggest 3M Velcro strips for easy on-and-off mounting that won’t peel paint or leave residue. Alien Tape also works but may be too strong for delicate walls. Always test a small section first if you're unsure.

Is this safe to leave on?
These LEDs don’t get hot and are low wattage, so they’re generally safe for short-term use. However, I recommend turning them off when not in use—especially if they’re mounted on foam board—to reduce any potential fire risk over time. Always follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines.

Are there other types of faux windows that work better?
This DIY version is the beginner-friendly prototype I developed after dozens of tests, and it works great for most photo setups. That said, yes—there are more advanced versions that offer better diffusion, softer falloff, and even dimmable control.

I’ve since created an upgraded version of this faux window that solves many of the limitations of the prototype—like light intensity and control. It’s more refined, more flexible, and looks even more natural on skin.

The full build and tutorial for the upgraded dimmable version is included inside the Uncensored Membership. You can learn more about the membership and everything it includes linked below!

BouDIY® Uncensored Membership

 Get access to 12 full DIY courses that take you behind the scenes of my most iconic builds, lighting setups, and camera tricks. From rain rooms to outdoor tricks—it’s all inside.

{Click to Learn More about what's included with membership.}