softbox shape and its effect on light..?

[detune]

Just wondering whats the difference of a bit square soft box or the octagonal ones... Obviously the light must be shaped differently but is it obvious?

Thanks
Doug

 

[Flotsam]

I think that much of it has to do with the desired shape of catchlights in the eyes in portraits and reflections in shiny objects.

 

[JBrunner]

I think that much of it has to do with the desired shape of catchlights in the eyes in portraits and reflections in shiny objects.

Yes, in some cases, but more so I feel to provide maximum surface area with shallow depth, the main point of a soft box being to increase the physical size of the light source, so the "highlight" is larger than the subject, and the light wraps the subject evenly from a greater arc of angles. What we call soft light could also be called large light. Not about intensity, but size.

 

[bjorke]

The spill shape will change too. The bigger the box and the closer it is to the subject, the more you'll see a difference.

IIRC, http://www.photoflexlightingschool.com/ has some pages relating to different types (essentially some sample setups to show you why you need to buy their various sorts of kit)

 

[Ed Sukach]

The spill shape will change too. The bigger the box and the closer it is to the subject, the more you'll see a difference.

IIRC, http://www.photoflexlightingschool.com/ has some pages relating to different types (essentially some sample setups to show you why you need to buy their various sorts of kit)

THANK YOU!!! (Three exclamation points) for that site! There is a WORLD of useful information here. I've only skimmed superficially, but I'm sure that it will intrude on my busy (argggh!) schedule in the future.

I thought I knew a little about studio lighting. Now I realize just how little I know!

 

[doughowk]

An area Pro prefers umbrellas with diffusers to softboxes. One reason is the catchlight is more natural.

Also, Thank you for the above link - much to learn.

 

[blansky]

An area Pro prefers umbrellas with diffusers to softboxes. One reason is the catchlight is more natural.

Also, Thank you for the above link - much to learn.

The problem with umbrellas is that the light sprays everywhere and is not controlled the same as with a softbox. If a person has a catchlight fetish and only likes round ones you can buy an insert for a softbox that makes it round.

Michael

 

[Changeling1]

I think that much of it has to do with the desired shape of catchlights in the eyes in portraits and reflections in shiny objects.

The square boxes will make the catch-lights in the eyes (and other highly reflective surfaces) look like window light.

 

[Flotsam]

The problem with umbrellas is that the light sprays everywhere and is not controlled the same as with a softbox. If a person has a catchlight fetish and only likes round ones you can buy an insert for a softbox that makes it round.

Michael

I've never liked umbrellas, especially big ones. They are too self-filling. I like to have more control over the light. Small light boxes or hard lights.

 

[blansky]

I've never liked umbrellas, especially big ones. They are too self-filling. I like to have more control over the light. Small light boxes or hard lights.

Umbrellas make great fill lights. But for main lights, head and shoulders to 3/4, I prefer 24x36 softboxes. Any bigger and I find the light too mushy.

I also have parabolics for harder light, mola for a bit softer and a bunch or different softboxes as well as grid spots.


Michael

 

[detune]

wow! thanks for all the info, looks like others found this question useful too

 

[Early Riser]

What do you plan on shooting? Lighting for people is very different than lighting a still life so the soft boxes can be very different. Also there are many alternatives to softboxes besides umbrellas. You can just as easily hang a roll of diffusion material and aim a reflectored light through it, or if you're shooting full figure you can bounce strobe heads off panels of 4x8' white foamcore, etc. Many methods are possible.

 

[rorye]

I like to make a frame with oil painters stretchers, then cover that with Roscolux or Tuffspun. It makes a nice diffusion panel, and I like to be able to adjust the distance between the light source and the diffusion, thereby getting softer/harder lighting as needed.

 

[Christopher Nisperos]

Yes, in some cases, but more so I feel to provide maximum surface area with shallow depth, the main point of a soft box being to increase the physical size of the light source, so the "highlight" is larger than the subject, and the light wraps the subject evenly from a greater arc of angles. What we call soft light could also be called large light. Not about intensity, but size.

Excellent analysis, seconded.

 

[arigram]

I use an octagonal softbox which gives round-looking catchlight to the eyes which I prefer to the rectangular ones.

 

[Agency mh]

Can some of you recommend a softbox brand which is good for portrait/fashion shoots? Is some brand significantly better? I use Photoflex 120x80cm (it give me possibilities to use gold and silver inserts), but have not try other brands yet.
Thank you Martin