Softbox, umbrella combinations?

AdamNZ

AdamNZ

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I haven't done any off camera flash shooting before but really keen to get into it. I've got 1 Yongnuo 565 and think I'll add a couple of 560's to the mix to get started (although if anyone thinks this is a bad idea please let me know). In terms of diffusers I've grabbed a suggestion from another thread to get one of these

Godox 80x80 Foldable Universal Softbox with S Style Speedlite Bracket for Flash Bowens Mount Accessories Direction Adjustable

Question I have is what else should I consider. Is it best to go three softboxes or is it best to get a range of things i.e. softbox, umbrella etic? Any advice on this would be good. If an umbrella is a good idea I's also be interested in some suggestions - bearing in mind just starting out but still want something that preforms decently.
 
If you're just starting out I'd go for 1 x flash and 1 x modifier, and then learn different techniques etc.. It's easier to get it right with one than it is three..

If you do go for three flashes then get a range of modifiers, it'll be easier when you experiment because you'll have more options.
 
benc98 said:
If you're just starting out I'd go for 1 x flash and 1 x modifier, and then learn different techniques etc.. It's easier to get it right with one than it is three..

If you do go for three flashes then get a range of modifiers, it'll be easier when you experiment because you'll have more options.
Click to expand...

I like to over complicate things, its just me. Any suggestions on an equivalent umbrella and or another type of diffuser to the softbox I referred to in my original post?
 
Adam Wortman said:
I like to over complicate things, its just me. Any suggestions on an equivalent umbrella and or another type of diffuser to the softbox I referred to in my original post?
Click to expand...

Just get any silver/white brolly so you can play around with shoot through and reflected (the brand etc for learning is pretty irrelevant), then go get a 5 in 1 reflector.

Take the advice given and start with one light, by all means buy an extra 560 (they're cheap enough it doesn't really matter) but as a beginner if you try adding multiple lights you're going to get worse results than starting with one.
 
Agree with all the above comments.

I have a ez style softbox that does not get used as it is a pain to put away. I prefer the umbrella style softbox or even a shot through/reflective style umbrella.

I would suggest you start with one flash, a light stand and this umbrella
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Westcott-43-inch-Optical-Collapsible-Removable/dp/B001OKBLEE

Depending on which flash you get you may also need triggers to trigger the flash off camera.
 
As has already been suggested, you would be best starting with one light and learning how moving it to different positions effects the look, you can also experiment using a reflector to bounce light back into the shadows. Umbrellas are great for a first setup because they are cheap, however dependant on space they can also be more difficult to control the light with. Personally I prefer soft boxes as they are easier to control. I would probably also avoid the little speed lite soft boxes as unless you are lighting something small, they don't give a great deal of improvement over the bare flash.
 
Zack Arias would suggest getting a 60inch convertible umbrella. It's just big enough for full length work. It can be used in shoot through or reflector mode, but can also be used partially collapsed when reflecting or with the black reflector cover half in place when using as a shoot through.

I also like a brolly fitted with a diffuser like this. When I bought it I couldn't find one with a grid but now I'd consider something like this instead.

I do have a small popup softbox but it's a bit disappointing. It's still useful for head & shoulders work, and the grid is invaluable for some things. True softboxes - like beauty dishes - work better with bare bulb strobes, imo.

Things to watch:
  • Westcott umbrellas have wider than average shafts which do not fit all holders
  • Changing power when using the brolly boxes listed above is annoying unless you have some remote control (e.g. the YN 560TX)
  • I use 2 or 3 speedlights in the largest umbrella in daylight when doing full length work.
As a starting point, the modifier should be the size of the subject and about that distance from the subject. Obviously there are many places you can go from there.
 
juggler said:
Zack Arias would suggest getting a 60inch convertible umbrella. It's just big enough for full length work. It can be used in shoot through or reflector mode, but can also be used partially collapsed when reflecting or with the black reflector cover half in place when using as a shoot through.

I also like a brolly fitted with a diffuser like this. When I bought it I couldn't find one with a grid but now I'd consider something like this instead.

I do have a small popup softbox but it's a bit disappointing. It's still useful for head & shoulders work, and the grid is invaluable for some things. True softboxes - like beauty dishes - work better with bare bulb strobes, imo.

Things to watch:
  • Westcott umbrellas have wider than average shafts which do not fit all holders
  • Changing power when using the brolly boxes listed above is annoying unless you have some remote control (e.g. the YN 560TX)
  • I use 2 or 3 speedlights in the largest umbrella in daylight when doing full length work.
As a starting point, the modifier should be the size of the subject and about that distance from the subject. Obviously there are many places you can go from there.
Click to expand...
I love learning new things - can you explain this again for me? Does this mean if my umbrella is 60cm say, it could be placed 60cm away from your subject ad a rough starting point? Thanks Mandy
 
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