Behind the Scenes: Photographing Jewellery with the Manfrotto Cubelite Studio Tent
At Links London, our commitment to restoration goes hand-in-hand with our commitment to accurate product photography. Whether we’re bringing a 2008 charm back to life or cataloguing a rare set of cufflinks from the archive, every piece deserves to be seen in the best light—literally.
Manfrotto Cubelite Light Tent for Vintage Jewellery Setup
Manfrotto Cubelite Light Tent for Vintage Jewellery
Lastolite Cubelite Light Tent for Vintage Jewellery eBay
In this behind-the-scenes post, we take you inside our photography setup featuring the Manfrotto Cubelite Studio Tent—formerly known as the Lastolite Studio Cube. This legendary piece of kit has become our go-to for capturing oversized jewellery, vintage packaging, and restored products that deserve more than a flat lay on a white sheet.
Manfrotto Cubelite Light Tent for Vintage Jewellery setting up
Manfrotto Cubelite Light Tent for Vintage Jewellery review
Manfrotto Cubelite Light Tent for Vintage Jewellery review
Why We Needed a Bigger Tent
We started out using a smaller desktop light box for most of our product photos. It worked beautifully for modern, dainty pieces. But once we began restoring vintage Links of London jewellery—including oversized charm bracelets, multistrand necklaces, and even original packaging from the early 2000s—it quickly became clear we needed something bigger. Enter the Manfrotto Cubelite.
Studio setup with Cubelite and camera equipment
Manfrotto Cubelite Light Tent setup in Links London studio
Adjustable LED lights positioned around the Cubelite
This 100cm x 100cm x 185cm collapsible tent gives us the flexibility to photograph larger items with full under-lighting capability. With a Philips Hue smart bulb installed beneath the Perspex base and an overhead bulb controlled by app, we can adjust the lighting in real time for a perfect white background or dramatic highlights.
Studio-Quality on a Budget
While the Manfrotto Cubelite can retail for upwards of £800 new, we picked ours up on eBay for just £33.66. Bargain? Absolutely. And while it’s not pristine—it’s missing a few clips and has a hole in the roof—we’ve adapted it to suit our space and workflow.
Manfrotto Cubelite Light Tent for Vintage Jewellery fittings
True to the spirit of restoration, we gave this tent a new lease of life. And now, it’s working hard to bring our restored pieces to life on screen—without over-editing or unrealistic enhancements.
Manfrotto Cubelite Light Tent for Vintage Jewellery and silverware
The Philosophy Behind Our Photography
Product photos at Links London aren’t just marketing—they’re part of the item’s provenance. We aim for honest photography: that means true colour representation, clarity, and transparency. If a piece is vintage, we show its age with pride. If it’s been restored, we show the craftsmanship in full detail.
Manfrotto Cubelite Light Tent for Vintage Jewellery review
Every photo is edited using simple tools like the Mac Photos app—no Photoshop wizardry, no AI retouching. The result? What you see online is what you receive in the post. And that’s exactly how it should be.
Watch the Full Setup in Action
Curious how we bring it all together? Watch our full behind-the-scenes video on YouTube to see the Cubelite in action:
Looking Ahead
As we continue to restore and photograph more original Links of London pieces, this setup will help us keep up the pace while maintaining museum-quality standards. Expect to see our Design Archive expand with new listings, rare finds, and proper visual documentation.
If you’re a collector, photographer, or vintage enthusiast, follow us on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes insights and join us as we bring iconic British jewellery back to life—one photo at a time.
