Originally Posted by Cozen
I think the Lumiquest Softbox III8" x 9" surfacecan create pretty soft edge shadows from 10ft and in. Otherwise, if it's not to windy, umbrellas are the most versatile way to get soft light. It also creates a round catch light in the eyes.
do you have any example pictures you can post with this product? I thought a bigger box would be better. If I can get away with a smaller one, that would be great.
Yes, there's one in particular I can recommend if a small softbox is what you're looking for--the Alzo Digital Porta-Flash Mini Softbox. You can find similar items (in fact, you can find the Alzo softbox, too) a little cheaper on ebay (search for "flash softbox"). I bought the Alzo one on ebay because it was a bit cheaper there. I believe this would probably be identical yet cheaper (and with free shipping), but I can't attest to it with certainty as I don't own that particular one.
That said, you might just want to start out with an umbrella. I've got two softboxes, but honestly my white shoot-through Westcott collapsible umbrella gets used much more than they do. In fact, I'd say I use an umbrella 4 to 1 over either softbox.
I used an umbrella yesterday and, as always, it worked quite well. I did have to weigh down the lightstand with 3 sandbags, though, as it was quite windy.
strobist: 1 Vivitar 285HV, camera left (in front of subject), 1/4 power, shot through a white umbrella. 1 Vivitar 285HV, camera left (behind subject), 1/16 power, bare, to act as a hint of rim/hairlight. Flashes triggered via Cybersyncs.
Sweet picture Sean. I love the soft light and skin tone.
I did order an umbrella, I will most likely use that for outdoor shooting, but I wanted a softbox for indoor experimenting with rim lights, cutting out light, and expressionist type photos. Thanks for the recommendation.
The other softbox I have is the 28" Westcott Apollo. It's decently well-made, large, and provides a very nice lightsource. It's a good for indoor portraiture, but of course, it is a bit more expensive.
strobist: 1 Vivitar 285HV, 1/2 power, camera left, shot into a Westcott Apollo 28" softbox, triggered by Cactus V2s. Background is a Botero 37 White/Black background.
What are your thoughts on this barn door item? My alternative thought is to buy some black board and just cut it and attach with velcro. Although that won't be as easily adjusted, nor as durable.
http://cgi.ebay.com/barn-door-honeycomb-grid-gel-set-studio-flash-soft-box_W0QQitemZ350249237760QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item518c7b3d00&_trksid=p3286 .c0.m14
Seems like everyday I can think of something new I need/want. So here is an update for gear I've picked up for my beginner's lighting kit.
CTR-301P Wireless Flash Trigger with 2 receivers and PC Sync....$41.99 (from Ebay)
1 Flexible Gripping Large Tripod .................................................. .$8.99 (maxsaver)
Westcott 43" Collapsible Umbrella ...............................................$26 .00 (mpex)
LumoPro LP634 Umbrella Swivel Ada............................................$19 .99 (mpex)
LumoPro 8' Black A/C Stand............................................. .............$29.99 (mpex)
Nikon SB-24................................................ ..................................$60.00 (ebay)
Nikon SB-25................................................ ..................................$70.00 (ebay)
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"]<span style="font-size: 10pt;"]Background photo muslin (black) 10 X 6 ft.........................$24.99 (ebay)
8 AA Energizer rechargeable batteries/charger ...........................$25.99 (ebay)
2 Ultimate Combo Pack photo gels.............................................. .$34.00 (photogels)
2 10 degree honeycomb grids............................................. .........$20
Promaster Tripod/stand carrying bag...........................................$40 (adolf gassers)
This is roughly $400 for all the above listed gear. I'm sure there are some ways to cut costs with DIY etc.
I'm still debating on ball bungees, sandbag, flags/barn doors, but these all seem great DIY projects.
Yup, things are definitely starting to add up, but I can't wait!
Just for comparison (I'm listing only the gear I carry with me to every shoot)
(5) CSRBs and (2) CSTs
check
(2) white, (2) reflective, (1) 28" softbox, (1) 15" softbox
(3) LP634s, (2) LP633s, (2) LP632s
(3) LP606s (product mentioned above), (1) Manfrotto 001b
(3) Vivitar 285HVs, (2) Vivitar 285s, (1) Vivitar DF400MZ, (1) Canon 580EX
(2) Botero 5x7 Collapsible Backgrounds (black/white & grey)
(10) sets of (4) rechargeable AA batteries (different makes) with a MAHA C801D Recharger
(3) older combo packs (slightly different combination of gels), (4) color correction, (1) special effects pack
(7) grids in foam housing ranging from 60 degrees down to 10 degrees of spread
(1) Standbagger Model 8, (2) Wal-Mart craft bags (perfect for strobes), (1) fishing tackle organizer (for triggers)
And I've got some ball bungees, (8) sandbags, a DIY snoot. And I wouldn't dare to total that up.
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