Using a large softbox

J

JerrardM

Suspended / Banned
Messages
127
Edit My Images
No
Just got myself a 80x120cm softbox and had a quick play with it on my Elemental 300 flash and got to say that I am not loving the results. Had the softbox 45 degrees to subject about two feet away from them, the thinking being the closer the light to the subject the softer the light etc but what I get is massive catchlights that fill the eye and are distracting.

Anyone got any advice about using large softboxes?

cheers
 
JerrardM said:
Just got myself a 80x120cm softbox and had a quick play with it on my Elemental 300 flash and got to say that I am not loving the results. Had the softbox 45 degrees to subject about two feet away from them, the thinking being the closer the light to the subject the softer the light etc but what I get is massive catchlights that fill the eye and are distracting.

Anyone got any advice about using large softboxes?

cheers
Click to expand...

That's very close. Suggest masking off the top/bottom of the softbox for a square light area (the extra length is probably not adding much softening) then move it back a bit.
 
HoppyUK said:
That's very close. Suggest masking off the top/bottom of the softbox for a square light area (the extra length is probably not adding much softening) then move it back a bit.
Click to expand...

Hmm, I was watching one of Scott Kirby's lighting videos and he was raving about large softboxes and their versatility which is why I bought one. Seems rather self-defeating if I mask it off. I already have a couple of smaller square softboxes.
 
JerrardM said:
Hmm, I was watching one of Scott Kirby's lighting videos and he was raving about large softboxes and their versatility which is why I bought one. Seems rather self-defeating if I mask it off. I already have a couple of smaller square softboxes.
Click to expand...

There was a similar thread a couple of months ago. The OP didn't like the big catchlights, but that's subjective. Personally, I don't mind but it's unavoidable if you use a big light very close.

Other ideas might include putting a square of black tape across the front to mimic a window, that might look more acceptable, or swap to an octabox for circular cachlights.

Or move the light back, making the catchlights smaller, and use a white reflector to lighten the shadow side - would still be super-soft.
 
Yes, I think I am going to have to move it back and feather it more to be happy with the results.

Next purchase is an octabox but maybe not as big. Think I probably can get away with a 90cm one for single person portrait shoots.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top