Softbox types - what is best for fill light?

Diving Pete

Diving Pete

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Hi, I have 2 large Octogons (110ish cm) , 1 x large square (120cm) & a smaller 60cm rectangle.

What would you use in a small room 5 x 3m for head shots & why ?
 
It really depends on how you want your images to look :shrug:

Any of them will light a headshot, the larger ones will be harder to control light from bouncing all around the room, but that maybe what you want :)
 
ok thats a good point. There is no 'natural lighting in the room so all light is created..
Next question.
What is the main difference between a square & octagon - as regards light output & which is considered prefable to use (as a fill or Key light)

I so need to go on a course....!
 
I've never done a side by side comparison, but in terms of output, I'd guess probably little difference if they're similar size.

The main difference is the catchlight in the eyes of the subject, it'll either be square or octagonal.
 
I think the best way to find out is to do a test yourself.

It's such a subjective question and none of us have your studio space to know how they'll behave exactly.

It sounds like a great afternoons fun to me.
 
I'll see if my designated model (Wife !) is ready this weekend...

I've just been using the large square as a main - but its easy enough to do a test..

Thanks guys
 
Well, I managed to get the wife in the 'studio' last night...
& I ve decided that I prefer the Oxtagon softboxes...
 
Here's a pic:

D7K_7522a.jpg
 
Pic Data
1/125th, F5.6, ISO 100, 44mm - using a 18-70 lens

Black foldup screen,
1 x light behind - 160w with nozzle on tripod pointed at head
1 x 800w light at 45° @ 1.5m on right, large oxtagon softbox,
large 1m gold reflector on left
 
an octobox will be my next purchase after i've got some backgrounds sorted out :)

Great pic, although i'm not sure i'd have positioned my lights the same for that particular pose (i'm no expert though so take this with a pinch of salt). It looks to me that because the way you positioned your lights, her hair is causing half her face to be in shadow.

I might have been tempted to have the key near enough over my left shoulder with the reflector to my right acting as fill (but this is how i'd have lit it, and maybe the totally wrong way :))
 
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Believe it or not thats the next test..

I had the lights in that position before but changed it a week ago taking pics for ebay...
At 1am moving lights wasn't going to happen > :D
 
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