They are a very effective and virtually universal tool for working with light. They are used for photo and video shooting, allowing you to realize the most daring and unusual creative ideas. What is the secret to the success of these light modifiers?
Which ones are best to use and how to work to get the most out of it? – Today we will discuss all these issues in this article.
How do softboxes work?
The principle of operation of a softbox is quite simple - the modifier "works" with the light received from the main source (mainly a lamp). The light reflects off the inside of the modifier walls and passes through the fabric layer of the softbox. Thanks to this, the light becomes soft and well diffused.
Using a softbox
As a rule, softboxes are used either as the main light source or as a fill light that does not create harsh shadows.
Below are two series of photographs taken in bright sunlight.
Why do photographers use softboxes?
In fact, every professional photo artist has softboxes in his "arsenal" and often uses them. Why? The answer to this question is simple, like everything ingenious - universality. The softbox is suitable for any genre of photography - interior, portrait, fashion, still life, product photography, etc., satisfying the need for soft light. However, even when softs are not used as the main light source, they are used for fill (fill light).
Let's talk about sizes
There are many different combinations that can be used by the photographer using different sizes of softboxes and setting them at different distances. In the series of photographs below, you can clearly see that softboxes of different sizes have different effects on the same photo object. To easily appreciate the differences, the softbox is placed very close to the subject.
It can be easily concluded that the degree to which a softbox softens light is directly proportional to its size. That is, the larger the softbox is used, the softer the light the photographer receives. In turn, soft light provides many benefits: softens shadow edges, hides skin imperfections of the model, reduces sharp contrast by “smoothing out” bumps.
In addition to varying degrees of light scattering, modifiers of different sizes differ in light coverage zones of the photo object.
The largest softbox gives the bottle a smooth finish and actually connects the reflections on the neck and the bottle to accentuate its shape.
In many ways, the choice of lighting style depends on the personal preferences of the photographer - therefore, a softbox of any size can be chosen for various styles of photography. Most still life photography professionals have small, medium, and large modifiers, as well as reflectors in a variety of sizes.
Speaking about the size of softboxes, it is also worth noting that the closer the light source is to the photo object, the more reflection and softer the light the photographer receives. However, the larger softboxes form a clear reflection - as seen on the right side of the bottle test photo.
Rectangle or square?
Today, a huge number of softboxes of various shapes are presented on the photo market. Which one should be preferred?
The most common are rectangular softboxes, square softboxes, and octagonal softboxes, which are also called octaboxes or octaforms. Each type of these modifiers has its own characteristics.
Octaboxes are mainly used for portrait photography, as well as photography for fashion magazines. Photographers are attracted by the ability of octaforms to create volume in small (relatively) fashion design elements.
Regardless of the distance to the photographic object, this small octaform provides good light diffusion. Both at a distance from the model and close to it, the octabox formed a soft light flux, giving an excellent result.
Another interesting type of softbox is a modifier with removable panels. It allows you to direct light in several directions at the same time. This tool is great for architecture photographers as well as videographers.
The light of such a modifier increases the overall level of illumination, while maintaining natural lighting.
Because softboxes are easy to disassemble and transport, photographers have the ability to get beautiful light wherever they need it. Therefore, softboxes are used, both on location and in the studio, in all genres of photography and video filming. This versatility of use has made softboxes the most beloved and popular type of diffuser.
The purpose and specifics of using the softbox. Varieties of softboxes and their design features. The most popular softbox models.
A softbox is a special attachment for a light source. The device is designed to create diffused soft lighting, while reducing harsh glare. Today, such equipment is actively used in studio photography.
There are many varieties of softbox. There are a strip (stripbox), which is a narrow rectangular softbox, an octobox, which is an octagonal device. These types are the most popular in studio photography.
The softbox has a closed design, which consists of 2 parts, one of them is a diffuser, the second is a reflector. It is necessary to correctly choose the shape of the reflector in order to achieve the most uniform illumination of the diffuser. Thus, you will get a light source, which is a uniformly illuminated plane, which has a fairly large size. This ensures the creation of smooth soft shadows and high detail in the shaded areas.
Most often, rectangular softboxes are used, which make it possible to create lighting similar to light from a window. Other forms of softboxes are used much less frequently.
A narrow and long softbox is called a stripbox. It is used to provide crisp highlights that emphasize the shape of an object.
The fundamental difference between softboxes and photo umbrellas is a much better control of the light flow. Such modifiers are distinguished by a simple design: the back is concave, with an internal reflective surface. The outside is covered in black and the front in white diffuser fabric.
Softboxes provide for the supply of light only in one direction - to the object being filmed, while it does not splash in different directions. This is very handy, in particular when photographing indoors, where the light from umbrellas can form completely uncontrollable reflections from the wall and ceiling.
Ordinary softboxes used with all-in-ones are not particularly suitable for portable mobile studios. It's not about the fasteners themselves, because there are special adapter holders for installing ordinary flashes and softboxes with mounts. It's not even a matter of large sizes, for which the power of small flashes will not be enough.
We are talking about photographing on closed apertures. We are talking about the fact that such softboxes do not allow frequent assembly and disassembly. In the conditions of a stationary studio, they can stay in the assembled state for years, which is correct. Without delving into the nuance of the assembly, we only note that this will take enough time, and the risk of equipment failure increases.
Portable studios tend to use quick-fold softboxes. There are two types of such softboxes, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
An easy box softbox (easybox) is a square softbox, the size of which is 40x40, 60x60 and 80x80 cm. It folds and unfolds using twist-flex technology. There are also models with and without a built-in diffuser.
Umbrella-type softboxes may vary in configuration. They are square, round and rectangular. They are folded according to the principle of reflection umbrellas. The flash is positioned inside when pointing at a reflective surface.
This type has many advantages. These include simplicity, because the device can be expanded and installed in a minute. It is also very compact in operation and when folded. When transporting, it can easily be placed in any case or bag along with other umbrellas or stands. When installed, the front and back dimensions are very small, because the flash stand is not located at the back, but in the middle of the modifier. In addition, such a softbox allows you to install a number of flashes to increase power, for example, using a holder for 3 flashes.
These softboxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The lightness of the design allows you to create models up to 127x127 cm, which is unattainable for the construction of easyboxes. At the same time, the cost of an umbrella-type softbox will be lower.
For the sake of justice, we note that due to the internal location of the flash, it is not very convenient to change the power compared to the isibox, where everything is in the public domain. In an umbrella-type device, you must first open the front diffuser, then gain access to the controls, which creates certain inconveniences.
A softbox doesn't have to be expensive these days - you can get good results for $100 or less. But what if there is a way to make it much cheaper, with the same effect?
Lesson details
- Difficulty: medium
- Completion time: 24 hours
- Requirements: see equipment list below
Final result
A softbox doesn't have to be expensive these days - you can get good results for $100 or less. But what if there is a way to make it much cheaper, with the same effect? That's what I'll explain in this tutorial: how to create a softbox that produces professional results for less than $20.
Step 1: What is a softbox?
A softbox is a variant of a light modifier used specifically for studio or outdoor portraits. It creates soft diffused lighting by directing the light through some kind of diffuse material. The light is reflected from the inner walls, which are covered with a shiny surface, usually aluminum foil, and from a white diffusing sheet.
It can be used with pulsed and constant light sources. The main purpose of a softbox is to create soft and even lighting, often used as the main lighting. It is also important for lighting in the studio, where every millimeter of light space matters.
Step 2: Required Materials
To assemble a softbox, you will need:
- Large piece of cardboard
- adhesive tape
- Aluminium foil
- Velcro
- Bolts and nuts
- Roll of paper (at least 40 inches wide x 50 inches long) (approx. 100 cm x 130 cm - approx. per.)
- black spray
Step 3: Drawing and measuring
This tutorial explains how to make a 30x25 inch softbox. (≈ 76x64 cm - approx. per.), but this method is also suitable for creating a softbox of any other size. Just keep proportions in mind to get it right.
First of all, you need to draw 4 sides of the trapezoid softbox. The first two sides will be large, and the other two will be short.
The bottom of the trapezoid should be 30 inches (76 cm) long. The side walls are located at an angle of 45º. The top of the trapezoid should match the long side of your flash head, which in my case is 3 inches (7.62 cm). Then repeat the process from the beginning to make the second large side part of the softbox.
Now it's time to make the short sides. The bottom is 25 inches (63.5 cm) long and the top matches the short side of your flash head. In this case, the angle is not that important, it's a little over 60º, but to make things easier, just use the length of the sides of the large side pieces made earlier.
Step 4: Cut out the four walls
Now that you have the four sides of the softbox - two large and two small - it's time to carefully cut them out. Be sure to leave a small amount of cardboard at the top, about 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) long, to secure the flash. Cut out each piece, and set the finished pieces aside.
Step 5: Making the inside
When you've cut everything, use glue and cover each piece of cardboard with aluminum foil (but only on one side). You can use aluminum tape around the edges to make it more secure. This part will reflect the flash light, making it more powerful. Just in case, use two layers of aluminum foil, just to make sure the whole thing lasts longer.
Step 6: Add Velcro
Now take two short walls - the ones with a short part on top - and tape two strips of Velcro on them with tape. One large, about 6 inches (15 cm) and one short, about 2 inches (5 cm). Also attach them with a stapler and a double layer of adhesive tape for greater security. These two Velcro will keep the flash from falling and keep it still.
Step 7: Gluing and Mounting
If everything is in order, it's time to assemble the softbox. It's very simple. First take the large side, then the small one, then the second large one, and finally the last remaining one. Glue them together with glue and tape, a lot of glue and tape, secure each part so that it does not fall off.
Don't forget to tape the top part where the flash is inserted as well. A good way to check that everything is properly assembled is to lift the softbox by holding on to the top. If he doesn't move, everything is fine. If it's movable and unstable, add more duct tape until everything is in place.
Step 8: Painting
After waiting a few minutes, you can paint your softbox to make it look a lot more professional. Use old newspaper and duct tape to protect the parts you don't want to paint, like the top opening. I used black spray paint to make the process a bit easier. After it dries, add another coat of paint and then leave it to dry overnight.
Step 9: Create and set up a tripod adapter
When your softbox is almost ready, it's time to make a tripod adapter. Take the L-shaped aluminum bracket, and place it with the long side on top of the softbox. Make a few holes in the softbox, right down the center of the short side. Then, using bolts and nuts, install the bracket and screw it on, making sure it is secure and does not move.
To use this bracket, you also need a light stand and a swivel head mount for this stand, both of which are easy to find on eBay for only $10, for example. The easiest way to mount a softbox on it is to carefully insert the short part of the L-bracket into the flash mount.
Step 10: Create the Diffusion Panel
Now it's time to install the diffuser panel made of paper. Unroll the roll of paper on the floor, place the softbox on top of it, and carefully glue the paper to each side. You can also add multiple layers if you want to make the light much softer and more even. Remember that the more layers you add, the less light output will be.
Of course, if the paper peels off, you can always repeat this process later.
Step 11: Installing the Flash
Finally it's time to mount the softbox on the stand and then insert the flash into the hole. To do this, gently hold the flash and insert it into the hole, pressing gently until it is firmly seated in the hole. Secure it with Velcro.
The reason we use the flash horizontally is to allow more flexibility in moving the softbox. You can point it down, up, or at a 45º angle, for example.
Step 12: Final Result
All you need now is to take some test shots with your new softbox! It creates a wonderful soft light and allows you to illuminate the whole person. I always use it in the studio as my main light without needing anything else.
It is great for creating dramatic portraits when placed to the side of the subject, or for portraits with soft diffused light. Below are some examples. The first one uses only the softbox, to the right of the camera, at full power. Thus, a frame with high contrast is obtained. The other two are made using a softbox as the main source, along with two uncoated strobes, one on each side, as edge lighting.
Try it!
The main condition for obtaining a high-quality picture is the right light. To have it even outside the studio, equipped with special lighting equipment, photographers use softboxes. In this article, we will try to figure out what a softbox is and how to choose one.
A softbox is a flash attachment used to create soft diffused light. Externally, this device is a structure consisting of a dome and a screen, which are called a reflector and diffuser. The diffuser is usually made of white fabric, and the shape of the reflector is chosen so as to achieve uniform illumination of the diffuser.
A softbox is not a replacement for studio lighting, as some believe. With, in principle, you cannot get a studio picture, because the effect of studio lighting and flash is completely different. But this fixture makes it possible to achieve soft shadows and image clarity in shadowed areas, which has a beneficial effect on image quality.
Studio equipment manufacturers offer different types of softboxes. Let's dwell on the main parameters of these devices, so that when buying it is easier to make a choice:
1. Screen size and shape.
Softboxes come in several types:
- quad boxes - almost square devices;
- octoboxes - octagonal fixtures;
- stripboxes - narrow rectangular devices;
- round softboxes (usually small).
The shape of the screen determines the shape of the highlights that will appear in the frame, reflected in glossy surfaces, and the size of the fixture determines the degree of softness of the light: the larger the softbox, the softer the light. In addition, the ratio of the size of the device to the dimensions of the subject is important: for portraits, it is better to take a 40 × 40 quad box or an octo box with a diameter of 50 cm, small objects can be shot with a much smaller soft box.
2. The device of the dome.
There are devices with domes:
- standard form with adapters for on-camera flash - simple and convenient;
- in the form of umbrellas - easy to use, versatile, compact;
- type Twist Flex - with flexible hoops, like in children's tents, which bend and allow you to fold the device into a small bag.
Which option to choose depends on individual preferences.
3. Type and type of fastening
Mounting can be carried out on the flash head, as well as on the stand using the bracket. Installing on a flash in most cases implies the possibility of using the device without removing it from the camera and retaining all the functions of the flash. Large fixtures require additional hardware and separate timing.
Mounting types:
- on Velcro, which is glued to the flash - it is reliable, but you can ruin the coating and inconveniently rearrange it to another flash;
- on a gel tape with an elastic band - quite convenient and reliable;
- fastening on the adapter is convenient, since you can install additional equipment, but not very reliable, besides, not every adapter is suitable for a particular flash.
Large softboxes are usually mounted through the flash shoe. But such a mount can interfere with the placement of the synchronizer, especially if it is large. Recently, softboxes have appeared on the market that are attached to the flash head. They are very comfortable and capture the flash well.
With this information, you can quickly navigate the variety of existing models and choose the best softbox for the job.
When shooting professionally indoors, the photographer must have good light sources. Good means not only the brightness of the lighting, but also its distraction, which allows you to avoid glare and harsh shadows. The light source is a softbox.
Professional photographers use light sources to improve the image quality of subjects and subjects. The best way to improve the quality of lighting is to use light modifiers, such as softboxes.
Softbox is a device with the function of creating soft diffused lighting. Active use of the design is necessary when shooting in the studio. The equipment consists of 2 elements: diffuser and reflector. This results in a plane that is evenly illuminated by the light source, which provides high detail in dark areas.
The main types of equipment:
- stripbox - a design of a narrow rectangular type;
- octobox is a figure with 8 corners.
The most popular softboxes are rectangular in shape, which creates lighting similar to light from a window. Narrow long models allow you to emphasize the contours of the object.
There are portable and stationary models. The former are used for outdoor photo shoots, they must be quickly folded, the latter are for studios that need to be kept folded all the time.
Not every novice photographer can afford to buy an expensive softbox. Some experts prefer not to spend money on something that you can easily do yourself. Today we will talk about how to make a softbox with your own hands - this is possible in several ways. Let's consider the simplest of them.
1. Budget build
materials
Various materials are used for this device. The cheapest and most available are:
- Thick cardboard
- Foil
- Scotch
- Velcro
- PVA glue
- Tracing paper (can be replaced with a translucent white fabric)
- Bolts and nuts
- L-shaped bracket for mounting a tripod
- black paint
Any softbox material can be found at home or purchased at any hardware store.
Tools
Since the listed materials do not require any complex processing, you will need simple tools to interact with them, such as:
- Pencil or pen for drawing blanks on cardboard;
- School ruler for the same as mentioned above;
- Scissors or a paper knife to cut out the base of cardboard and the diffuser of tracing paper (fabric);
- Brush for applying glue;
- brush for coloring;
- Screwdriver and wrench to fix the l-bracket.
Having prepared all the necessary materials and tools, you can get to work. It may seem to you that assembling a softbox is not an easy task, but it is worth the result.
Manufacturing procedure
The base of the softbox should consist of four trapeziums. However, it is required to take measurements for two of them, since the lower trapezoid is equal to the upper one, and the side ones are also equal to each other. For the top and bottom details, measure the length of the flash, which will be in the center of the softbox. This indicator is equal to the upper side of the trapezoid. The optimal length for the bottom side is 90 cm.
The side parts of the softbox are built according to the same principle, only their lower side should be equal to 65 cm, and the upper side should be the height of the flash. Blanks are first drawn on sheets of cardboard, and then cut out. To help you, a drawing of a softbox, however, with a slightly different size.
The finished parts for the base of the softbox look like this:
- reflective surface;
- flash attachment method;
- product assembly.
Foil is used to reflect the light from the flash. It is cut out in the form of cardboard blanks and glued with PVA glue on one side of each of them.
When the product is ready, you will have to attach a flash to it, so now you need to take care of a reliable method of attachment. Velcro will serve as such a fastener, which must be attached to the short sides of the trapezoid with adhesive tape, as shown in the figure:
Now you need to glue the four parts of the softbox together with adhesive tape, but gluing is carried out on the outside of the frame, and on its inside there should be a surface covered with foil.
The outer, cardboard surface of the softbox can be coated with a layer of black paint. This is not done out of necessity, but rather for aesthetic satisfaction, to give the device a more professional look.
In order for a softbox to become a full-fledged photography tool, it needs:
- tripod mount;
- diffuser.
You need to install them in this order, since the diffuser will have to be glued to the front of the softbox. After that, it will be impossible to screw the mount and you will have to tear off the tracing paper or fabric.
Instead of fastening, an L-shaped bracket is used. It is screwed with bolts and nuts from the back of the device.
It remains to install the final component - the diffuser. Instead, a tracing paper or white cloth is taken. It is spread on a flat surface, the frame of the future softbox is placed on it face down and the material is cut to the shape of the frame, with a margin of 1-2 cm.
The remaining edges are glued to the outside of the device with glue. After the glue dries, the softbox is attached to a tripod, a flash is installed in it and this light source is used for its intended purpose.
2. Making from wire and cloth
The above softbox is quite simple in execution. It can be assembled even by a person who does not have any experience in construction work or in electrical assembly work. However, there is also an easier way to make a diffused light source. All you need is a white lining (a satin-type fabric is best for a softbox) and thick wire.
A frame is made of wire, which is then sheathed with pieces of fabric cut out in the shape of this frame.
This homemade softbox does not look as neat and professional as the one made in the first way, but for temporary use it is fine. Despite its appearance, it copes well with the functions required of it.
3. Manufactured from rope and fabric
It's a more complicated way making a softbox, but the result is a beautiful and functional device. For him you will need:
- a cable that is used to clean the sewer;
- 4 lugs for Faston cable;
- cardboard;
- 6 meters of black braid;
- 1 sq. m. white nylon;
- 1 sq. m black nylon;
- 1 sq. m. silver nylon;
- 2 meters Velcro;
- l-shaped bracket;
- bolts and nuts;
- metal ring.
The cable is divided by wire cutters into four parts. Each piece must be 135 mm long. Rings are made from these pieces by connecting the ends of the segment with Faston tips and soldering the junctions. When the solder has cooled, they clean the soldering points from sharp protrusions and wrap them with electrical tape.
Finished rings are sheathed on a sewing machine with black braid. The braid is taken wide so that you can fold it in half along the length of the braid and pass the cable through the center.
For the manufacture of four sides in advance making a cardboard pattern softbox in the shape of an equilateral triangle. The length of the side of this triangle is 55 cm. Its corners are rounded off by measuring the radius of 7.5 cm with a compass.
Blanks are cut out of the fabric according to the template and fixed with pins on the rings of the cable, sheathed with braid. As a result, the cable takes the desired shape.
The fabric is attached, gradually removing the pins. The other three sides of the softbox are also sewn together. For the back of the device, you need to make a square blank with a hole suitable for the flash size. It is sewn from fabric, without the use of a cable frame. All triangles are sewn to the square part, and the basis for the softbox is obtained.
Velcro is sewn on the outer sides of the device. With it, it will be possible to attach white nylon to the softbox, which will serve as a diffuser for a direct light source.
The use of Velcro is very convenient, as it allows you to replace the fabric if it is damaged or, if necessary, in a denser diffuser. If the nylon is simply sewn to the base, you will have to tear it off each time and sew on a new one. This takes a long time and ruins both the fabric for the diffuser and the braid on the cable.
The tripod mount in this case is done a little differently. The L-bracket is not screwed directly to the base of the softbox as it cannot be secured to the thin nylon. For this, a metal spacer ring is taken and inserted from the back of the device.
The bracket for the tripod is attached to this ring. The ring itself does not need to be fixed to the softbox in any way, as it will hold well thanks to the metal cables that are at the base of the device.
If the ring does not hold firmly, you should sew the back of the triangles a little tighter. When, when you find it difficult to bring an idea to life, you can watch the video how to assemble a softbox for an external flash with your own hands:
By putting into practice any of the listed methods for making a softbox, you can get an excellent device for scattering direct light.
The choice of method depends only on the availability of the necessary materials and certain skills.
For example, in order to make the last softbox, you need to be able to sew and solder. If there are no such skills, it's better to stick with the first way, in which all work is based on drawing blanks, cutting them out and gluing them into a finished device.
