Softbox Lighting and Theory

Learn all you need to know about the ever-popular softbox.

In highly informative live photography workshop, where Karl takes a closer look at these versatile modifiers, explaining how they work and what sets them apart from other light shapers.

This show answers common questions such as “What is a softbox used for?”, “What size softbox should I buy?” and “What’s the difference between softbox and umbrella lighting?” Whether you’re relatively new to softboxes or have been using them for some time, this show covers both the fundamental and more advanced knowledge you need to get the most from your softbox.

In addition to looking at the theory and science behind them, Karl also goes into detail about the Inverse Square Law, how this can impact your photography and how you can use it to take complete control of your lighting. He also demonstrates multiple lighting setups, showing you how you can be incredibly creative with just a few lights.

In this photography workshop:

  • Softbox lighting
  • How softboxes work
  • The difference between different softbox sizes
  • Softbox accessories
  • How to use softboxes
  • Understanding the Inverse Square Law
  • Softbox lighting setups

You can also read more about softboxes here.

If you have any questions about this show, please use the comment section below.

Comments

  1. Hi Karl, in Elinchrom softboxes you can use a small reflector just in front of the bulb (as the ones used in the beauty dishes). This create a sort of indirect light. Any consideration or suggetion on it? Thank you very much

    1. Hi, yes there are various softbox designs to help spread and homogenise the light at the front of the softbox. It doesn’t really matter which design is used as long as it works. The way to check this is to photograph a softbox from the front and underexpose the picture so that you can see where the brightest patches are, if it’s fairly even then the design is working.

  2. Hi karl does the light quality varies from brand to brand lets say if we compare elinchrom and godox light is one better than other? or is it the modifiers that needs be in high quality?

    1. Hi, generally speaking the light ‘quality’ is the same. The difference comes from how consistent the flash output power is when you have it set to a particular setting. For example with more expensive flash systems every flash will be the same in exposure at a given setting, with cheaper flashes the power output might go up or down a little which makes composite work a bit of a problem. The other difference is the colour temperature, some flash tubes run at 5500k and others at 6000k but that’s not a problem as long as it’s consistent.

Leave a Comment