Best modifier for this situation?

[Farno]

I'm looking to get a modifier for home/location shoots, it will be powered by a 300w head.
I'm looking to use it on small groups 3/4 people/children
Head and shoulders and full length

Currently looking at and Octabox 120cm or 150cm
or a rectangle(strip) 140x70cm

This is to be used as the key light for hi-key, but I'm thinking the strip would come in handy for low-key rim lighting.

 

[J4MIE_P]

Im unsure what you are really asking for? What is the modifier going to be for?
The Key Light?
The Fill Light?
The Rim/ Hair Light?
The Background Light/(s)?

 

[Garry Edwards]

Same guesses as above, also I'm guessing that when you say 'high key' you actually mean white background and when you say 'low key' you actually mean black background, neither of which are anything to do with either high or low key.

And I'm also guessing that 'location shoots' are shoots in other people's homes, where space is likely to be very tight.

And 140 x 70cm is a rectangular softbox, not a strip softbox.

A real strip softbox (something like this one) is fine for rim lighting, but a bit limited for anything else.

In an ideal world, a 150cm octa box may be your best all round choice but they're pretty big when you use them in a small space, so a 120cm or even smaller octa softbox may be a better bet for your usage. And if you want a differently shaped softbox sometimes just mask it to shape/size with blackwrap

 

[Farno]

Sorry for the lack of clarity.
This is to be the key light for white backgrounds.
Thanks for the replies.

 

[J4MIE_P]

Well it's for the key light, doesn't matter whether you want black or white backgrounds. A key light doesn't affect your background (that's what the background lights are for).

But if are you looking for something to give softer light or harsher light?
If you want a softer light with softer shadows something along the lines or a softbox, umbrella or octabox are going to be your choices. The bigger the modifier the softer the light.
If you want harser light you are going to want to look at beauty dishes, these give harse light and harse shadows, many photographers use these for fashion and glamour shots.

Again it's not just a straight simple answer unfortunately as theres sooo many lighting possibilities.

I personally use shoot-through umbrellas, but in the small space a softbox would be your better bet as you can control the light spill better, umbrellas just throw light around everywhere.

Hope that helps