Umbrellas Vs softbox?

[stu_the_flat]

I've been on Gumtree and I've bought myself and ancient set of strobes. they are two Solaflash Courtney 300s. They are cheap and I allow me to play although I think I'm sunk if one of the flash bulbs go as Solaflash don't exsit any more.

Anyway I bought a book on studio lighting and its all softbox this softbox that. I know they are better but will two strobes and an assortment of umbrellas be a good starter studio?

(The point of this thread is that you tell me that I've spent enough money and that I've got all the stuff I need!)

Cheers Stuart

 

[Garry Edwards]

You've spent enough money and you've got all the stuff you need

Softboxes aren't better than umbrellas, they just produce a different effect and are more controllable, especially in a small shooting space.

See this short article

 

[rdh]

Softboxes usually have two diffuser panels, giving a slightly softer light. They also let you control light spill easier, while umbrellas light up the entire room.

Both are excellent. Umbrellas are especially great for outdoor on-location shoots, and the perfect place to start learning. Softboxes are (usually) the studio norm for portraits (especially formal), hence they'll be referenced in books and whatnot.