ceiling height with half body shots

scottduffy

scottduffy

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Scott
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Hi Guys,

I've been taking more and more portraits recently and i am about to invest in a lighting kit (can't believe i sold my last one). I was reading another thread about the maximum size softbox for 7-8 foot ceilings being around 1 metre. My question now is would i be better investing in a larger softbox to give me softer light and have my subjects sitting as opposed to standing. I will be shooting a lot of kids and i was thinking of a large softbox or octabox for nice soft lighting as they'll obviously be a lot shorter. I just don't want to buy something i will regret for the umpteenth time. Right now i use a speedlight with a shoot through or reflective umbrella but it;s quite difficult to control the light from these. i'm right at the beginning of light, science, magic so might be able to answer this for myself shortly.

Regards

Scott
 
Yes, you can get away with a larger sofbox if your subjects aren't standing, or are kids.
I'm not sure that Light: Science & Magic will help with this particular question, it's more of a cookbook than anything else (although a very good one) and isn't didactic.
 
Garry thanks for the reply and for teaching me a new word for the day !!! haha never heard that one.
 
Didactic? A lot of people have told me that I'm didactic, I don't know what it means either but I assume that it's a compliment:)
 
I know some folk use larger at home but I find 120cm unwieldy, I wouldn't go bigger. The depth is a problem as well as the height. Your house may be better arranged than mine, of course..

Do you want softer-edged shadows or less dense shadows? A spot of fill from your brolly in conjunction with a slightly smaller softbox might do the job.
 
Hi Simon,

I am reading my book just now to see what the difference is between the two you mention. I know the look I want but don't know how to properly describe it to you guys. I'll post some pictures here tonight and you'll see what I'm after. Just heading out now.
 
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