First time soft box

9 years 4 months ago #416320 by Kris W
For a first timer, what soft box should I get?  I've noticed there are so many different sizes, brands and shapes. 


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9 years 4 months ago #416325 by garyrhook
Excellent question. The smaller ones are almost worthless for any more than 1-3 people.  If you can afford it, and want to be able to manage larger groups, go big. Bigger is better. Use gobos/etc to control the light.

I helped out on a shoot last Friday that included a group shot of 35-40 folks. The lead used good size umbrellas with diffusers (I don't know the brand) with Einstein strobes. The results were excellent. An umbrella box is not ideal for every situation but can be very helpful.

My next box will likely be 3' x 4' or larger. When I can afford Einsteins.  :drool:


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9 years 4 months ago - 9 years 4 months ago #416389 by KCook
First, some background music:
  • Will you be using only softboxes?  If so, then expect to eventually have a collection of different sizes and shapes.  I would start out with an 8-sided softbox, they fold up easier than the rectangular ones.
  • Speedlight or studio strobe?  The biggest softboxes eat a lot of light, need a studio strobe.
  • Real studio space or spare bedroom?  Softboxes are quite bulky, it will be very hard to fit many into a tight shooting space.
  • Close or far?  Softboxes are best used fairly close in to the subject.  If the situation calls for the light to be off in the distance, then a reflecting umbrella will work just as well and save $.
My one softbox is 24x36 inches.  Ok for head shots and other close work.  I wish I had gotten an 8 sided one instead, they are so much easier to fold up and put away.  Another tidbit to keep in mind is that softboxes are heavier than umbrellas, need a more sturdy (expensive) lightstand.  Links for lots more info -

www.photographytalk.com/forum/lighting-a...ly-make-a-difference

www.photographytalk.com/photography-arti...-a-lighting-tutorial

neilvn.com/tangents/softbox-vs-umbrella/

www.picturecorrect.com/tips/soft-boxes/

portrait-photographer.blogspot.com/2009/06/softboxes.html

Kelly Cook

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

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9 years 3 months ago #420360 by Kris W
Sorry for the delayed answer.  I'm back from the holidays and just getting back to PT.  Thank you both for these answers.  I'm going to review those other links now.  

Thanks again!!


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