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Bridging Tech and Creative Photography
Bridging Tech and Creative Photography
Bridging Tech and Creative Photography
Features

The Phoblographer’s Introduction to Softboxes

Chris Gampat
No Comments
09/08/2013
3 Mins read

Chris Gampat The Phoblographer Pentax K50 image samples (2 of 10)ISO 1001-160 sec at f - 8.0

The first lighting modifier that most folks go for are softboxes. The reason for this is not only because of their popularity, but also because of the quality of light that they can deliver. Softboxes are shaped and designed in a way to deliver what is known as directional light–meaning that the light is also very direct and not scattered and spread around. Because of this, you generally also have more control. On top of this factoid, softboxes also take a harsh light source and through reflection and diffusion, soften it to give a really beautiful look to the image. And they come in all shapes and sizes–but as per the rule, the larger the light source is in relation to the object, the softer the light will be.

Here’s our sort introductory crash course to using softboxes.

Who Uses Softboxes?

Chris Gampat The Phoblographer Impact Quikbox and LiteTrek photos (10 of 17)ISO 200

Softboxes are used by nearly any and every professional photographer–and if they aren’t the typical light modifier used by a pro, they are at least in their kit. A softbox can be used for portraiture, products (they’re especially useful for car photography), events, photo booths, and nearly anything that you can think about. They’re often valued over umbrellas because of the fact that any sort of reflection that they give off is just a white light source and the ribs that make up the foundation aren’t shown either.

Annie Leibovitz is known for her use of softboxes (and overall excellent imagery) and many folks in our Creating the Photograph series also use softboxes. One of particular memory is of László Nagy’s “Nati”.

In that one example, the light is very evident. But in the example photo on the right (which is from a review that we did) the light output was matched to the ambient lighting.

What are Softboxes?

At its most basic function, a softbox is a box that has either a white or silver interior that diffuses a light. In order to do this, the light can be facing forward or backward. When facing forward, the light often has two diffusion panels to soften its output: one is placed inside while the other closes up the package on the outside. When the light faces backward, the light output bounces around the inside of the softbox more efficiently and exits out after being diffused–sometimes by two panels.

Many hackers often try to create their own softboxes using a normal box that has been modified to give nearly the same functionality. The problem though is that they’re never portable and only work if your lights are never on the move with you. Otherwise, every reputable lighting manufacturer in the industry from Phottix to Bowens makes collapsible softboxes. In order to do this, there are often ribs that need to be either totally removed or broken down so the softbox can be stored away in a case.

Pro Tip: Don't ever underestimate what high speed sync can do for you. And if you can't find the look of naturally diffused daylight, try to create it.
Pro Tip: Don’t ever underestimate what high speed sync can do for you. And if you can’t find the look of naturally diffused daylight, try to create it.

When Do You Use Softboxes?

Chris Gampat Gear Patrol European Vacation Package (1 of 17)ISO 200

Softboxes have loads of different uses. Besides portraits, they’re often used for product photos and more. They are also often used because they are versatile in the looks that they can deliver. The reason for this is because of the rule of balancing exposures. If you shoot at a higher flash sync speed, you’re more likely to get harsher shadows depending on what your ISO setting is also at. More than any other modifier though, softboxes are easier to give off the look of natural lighting.

In all honesty, you could probably stick with a softbox all day and night as long as you want due to just how versatile their looks are.

How Do You Use Softboxes?

Chris Gampat The Phoblographer Leica S2 Shoot at the loft redo (3 of 4)ISO 160

Softboxes give very directional lighting as opposed to umbrellas that spread light out everywhere. So essentially what you need to do is aim them at your subject–and that’s it. No, we’re really not kidding. They’re that simple.

So to reiterate:

– Put light in softbox

– Diffuse light using panels

– Meter light

– Enjoy

Anyone that is afraid of lighting should try softboxes first before anything else.

Seriously, give it a shot.

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Written by

Chris Gampat

Chris Gampat is the Editor in Chief, Founder, and Publisher of the Phoblographer. He provides oversight to all of the daily tasks, including editorial, administrative, and advertising work. Chris's editorial work includes not only editing and scheduling articles but also writing them himself. He's the author of various product guides, educational pieces, product reviews, and interviews with photographers. He's fascinated by how photographers create, considering the fact that he's legally blind./ HIGHLIGHTS: Chris used to work in Men's lifestyle and tech. He's a veteran technology writer, editor, and reviewer with more than 15 years experience. He's also a Photographer that has had his share of bylines and viral projects like "Secret Order of the Slice." PAST BYLINES: Gear Patrol, PC Mag, Geek.com, Digital Photo Pro, Resource Magazine, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, IGN, PDN, and others. EXPERIENCE: Chris Gampat began working in tech and art journalism both in 2008. He started at PCMag, Magnum Photos, and Geek.com. He founded the Phoblographer in 2009 after working at places like PDN and Photography Bay. He left his day job as the Social Media Content Developer at B&H Photo in the early 2010s. Since then, he's evolved as a publisher using AI ethically, coming up with ethical ways to bring in affiliate income, and preaching the word of diversity in the photo industry. His background and work has spread to non-profits like American Photographic Arts where he's done work to get photographers various benefits. His skills are in SEO, app development, content planning, ethics management, photography, Wordpress, and other things. EDUCATION: Chris graduated Magna Cum Laude from Adelphi University with a degree in Communications in Journalism in 2009. Since then, he's learned and adapted to various things in the fields of social media, SEO, app development, e-commerce development, HTML, etc. FAVORITE SUBJECT TO PHOTOGRAPH: Chris enjoys creating conceptual work that makes people stare at his photos. But he doesn't get to do much of this because of the high demand of photography content. / BEST PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: Don't do it in post-production when you can do it in-camera.
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