Thoughts on softening light with softbox vs umbrella??

12 years 11 months ago #56456 by Augustin
I have umbrellas right now, but I was looking to see if I would get much softer light by shooting with a softbox vs the umbrella?

I thought I would, but wasn't 100%. I wanted to check before buying softbox.

Cheers and thanks!


Photo Comments
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12 years 11 months ago #56495 by One Wish
Just a little bit softer light IMHO. What size umbrella are you using?


Photo Comments
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12 years 11 months ago #56549 by Stealthy Ninja
Umbrellas are arguably easier to use. You can shoot through them and basically get the same look as a softbox (tip: the closer you get the light to a subject, the softer the light will be).

IMHO the main difference is the shape of the specular highlights (which could be the twinkle in the eye for example).

Personally, I've used all sorts of umbrellas and softboxes. They're all pretty much the same (depends on the size etc. more than anything).
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12 years 11 months ago #56613 by Garbo

Stealthy Ninja wrote: Umbrellas are arguably easier to use. You can shoot through them and basically get the same look as a softbox (tip: the closer you get the light to a subject, the softer the light will be).

IMHO the main difference is the shape of the specular highlights (which could be the twinkle in the eye for example).

Personally, I've used all sorts of umbrellas and softboxes. They're all pretty much the same (depends on the size etc. more than anything).


:agree: with the exception that all pretty much do the same, but are not created with equal craftsmanship

Nikon D300: 24-70 2.8 | 70-200 2.8 VR |Sigma 150 2.8 | 50 1.4 | SB-800
Photo Comments
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12 years 11 months ago #56693 by Stealthy Ninja

Garbo wrote:

Stealthy Ninja wrote: Umbrellas are arguably easier to use. You can shoot through them and basically get the same look as a softbox (tip: the closer you get the light to a subject, the softer the light will be).

IMHO the main difference is the shape of the specular highlights (which could be the twinkle in the eye for example).

Personally, I've used all sorts of umbrellas and softboxes. They're all pretty much the same (depends on the size etc. more than anything).


:agree: with the exception that all pretty much do the same, but are not created with equal craftsmanship


Very true. Some will rip/fall apart easier than others. You get what you pay for generally.
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12 years 11 months ago #56730 by photobod
I will stick with my softboxes, they are more controllable in my estimation, and if I want a circular highlight in the eye, into photoshop and change it, its a very simple process. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

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