What is a softbox? Softbox or umbrella? Which light modifier should a photographer use and in what cases?

High quality lighting One of the factors is obtaining a high-quality, professionally executed photograph. Because professional photographers They use softboxes, which allow you to create a uniform image in the picture. However, amateurs can also take high-quality photos with good light if they buy lighting devices. Umbrellas and other objects can also be used, but they transmit light differently. Today we’ll look at softboxes.

A photobox is a thing that scatters light using different lighting sources. This equipment is made in the shape of a cube. Thanks to this device, you can create an image without a shadow on a plain background, which is very important for photography. This device is often called a light cube or light cube.

Four metal rings protect the structure from falls. Such a unit is twisted into a figure eight before being put into a storage case. If you fold it in this position, it will take 3 times less space. This device can be used during location shooting, but if the action takes place on the street, then daylight is sufficient.

There are several options for photo tones:

• Blue;
• Red;
• Black;
• White.

The client can use any of them, depending on the location and personal preferences.

Purpose of softbox and main types

A softbox is used for shooting in a photo studio. More simple devices They are also used for location filming. Since photography on softboxes is carried out with closed apertures, this eliminates the possibility of transporting this equipment.

In studios, equipment is constantly assembled. And when traveling, it is necessary to constantly assemble and disassemble the structure, and this can cause deformation or breakage of individual elements.

In addition, there are modifications for portable photo studios. These are special softbox models that are easy to fold and unfold. The umbrella type is the most popular. The easy box is also very popular.

Easy box – has compact dimensions square shape. These are the sizes you can find: 40/40, 60/60 and 80/80. The technology used to fold this type is called twist-flex.

Umbrella look - by design and appearance resembles a photo umbrella. There is a flash inside the device. They have rectangular, square and round shapes. It is umbrella-type softboxes that are cheap and compact in size. They are convenient to transport in a bag or case.

However, the easybox is much easier to customize in terms of light supply.

For umbrella equipment, you need to additionally open the front diffuser to set the necessary settings.

To save this equipment for photography, it is enough for a long time, it is recommended to pack them in a roll of hard cardboard (for example, a roll of stretch film or foil). This storage method will help avoid regular ironing of the material. To remove dirt or dust that may appear during work, you need to run tape over the fabric.

Shooting process

Before starting work, place the photobox on a table or other hard surface. flat surface. Also set up the photo box so that the light sources are located opposite each other. Place your camera in front of the equipment. Placement on the table will greatly simplify the work.

Accessories

A softbox, like any other accessory, has its own characteristics and delivery set. Among contemporary photographers this thing is becoming more and more popular. There are a lot of models on the market. To make your choice, we will tell you what you should pay attention to when purchasing. Also included in the ranking are best models on this moment.

Fastening

There are 2 types of mounting - on a stand and on the flash head. Without mounting, you can work with small softboxes, but for larger ones it will be necessary.

Large softboxes also require separate synchronization. Our review presents only compact models, but some of them also have a mount.

There are several types of fastenings:

• Velcro;
• Gel based;
• Using a special adapter.

Size and shape

There are two large groups of softboxes:

• Quadboxes;
• Octoboxes.

More rare view– round.

The shape of the screen directly affects the shape of the glare. This glare is reflected from glasses, store windows and car windows. Even though a softbox reduces or covers glare, you still need to take photos good quality, otherwise no light distributors will help you.

There are also 3 types of designs:

• Umbrella is the most successful type of design. Folds and unfolds very quickly. Girls use such devices more. But for operational shooting, this is just the thing.
• Twist Flex – similar in type to a reflector. The rigid springy hoop allows you to speed up the work with it. Easily fits into a compact hiking bag or small backpack.
• Conventional – the main advantages are the compactness of the equipment and the efficiency of operation.

The best softboxes

“Mircopro SB-030 60×90 (SB-030_6090)”

This design can be used for shooting scenes, full-length and regular portraits. The equipment perfectly diffuses light and creates a neutral color scheme. Thanks to the use of heat-resistant and wear-resistant materials, this attribute will last for many years.

Size: 60x90 centimeters.

A modern softbox, which is useful in almost any conditions, will cost the client 3,500 rubles.

Mircopro SB-030 60×90 (SB-030_6090)

Advantages:

• Modern;
• Easy;
• Compact;
• Will last a long time.

Flaws:

• Relatively high price;
• Some features that are found in more expensive models are not available.

“Godox Easy 80x80 (SFUV8080)”

Size of this device 80x80 cm, can be mounted on a camera stand or tripod. Can be used for outdoor shooting or in small photo studios.

Silver plating decorates inner surface softbox. Pleasant shadows on the subject are created thanks to the presence of two diffusers, which provide a very pleasant soft light flux.

Folds into light compact bag. The flash body is fixed inside the ring with a special screw clamp.

Design Features:

• The articulated mount rotates 180 degrees, allowing you to shoot from any angle;
• The equipment is compatible with all on-camera flashes;
• The Godox S-type serves as a flash holder;
• Internal and external diffusers can significantly improve color rendering.

The kit includes:

• Case;
• Fastening;
• The softbox itself.

Price - approximately 4500 rubles.

Godox Easy 80x80 (SFUV8080)

Advantages:

• There are 2 diffusers;
• Multifunctional;
• Easy;
• Compact;
• Suitable even for location filming.

Flaws:

• Expensive.

“Godox Easy 40x40 (SFUV4040)”

It has many similarities with the previous model, but the size and price are half the size. This model only slightly different from the larger one. Bowens serves as an adapter for the bayonet mount. The package also includes other components:

• Case;
• Case;
• Adapter;
• Holder;
• Two diffusers;
• The softbox itself.

Price: approximately 3000 rubles.

Godox Easy 40x40 (SFUV4040)

Advantages:

• Easy;
• Compact;
• Located in the middle price segment;
• Convenient to use.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

“Lightcube Resheto 60cm, shadowless tent softbox lightcube”

Light cubes or photo boxes are designed for shooting compact objects that produce “extra” glare that spoils photographs. Lightcubes are designed precisely to eliminate this drawback.

The lightcube presented here is an easily foldable cubic frame.

It is covered with white fabric that is resistant to temperature changes. Designed for photographing objects smaller than 30 centimeters. The set includes 4 different backings:

• White;
• Black color;
• Of red color;
• Of blue color.

These underlays help hide the gaps between back wall cube and floor.

This device can be ironed and washed.

Characteristics:

• Weighs 560 grams;
• Packaged size 30x10 cm;
• Dimensions: 60x60x60 cm;
• Folding type;
• Spring frame.

Costs 1700 rubles.

Lightcube Resheto 60cm, shadowless tent softbox lightcube

Advantages:

• Easy;
• Compact;
• Comfortable;
• Easy to transport;
• Reasonable price;
• Heat-resistant surface.

Flaws:

• Designed for photographing small objects.

“Falcon 90 cm (FEA-OB 9)”

This model will provide bright and soft lighting, which is suitable for thematic photographs for every taste. The softbox has an octagonal shape. Thanks to this shape, you can create a beautiful three-dimensional pattern. Lightweight material and is resistant to fading. Easy to assemble and disassemble. Diameter - 90 cm.

Costs 3500 rubles.

Falcon 90 cm (FEA-OB 9)

Advantages:

• Compactness;
• Ease;
• Does not fade;
• Durable material;
• Not expensive.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

“Falcon 50x70 (SSASB5070)”

Creates excellent volumetric lighting, which allows you to professional photography. This unit allows you to do macro photography, studio portraits and studio photography.

Excellent performance with constant color sources. Made with durable materials resistant to fading. Heat-resistant cardboard allows you to withstand working with high-power constant light sources.

Size: 50x70.

Costs 2400 rubles.

Falcon 50x70 (SSASB5070)

Advantages:

• Good price;
• High quality materials;
• Resistance to high-power constant light sources;
• Suitable for macro photography.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

“Mircopro SB-038 120 cm for studio flashes (Bowens mount) (SB-038_120)”

An excellent octagon designed for portrait, life-size and subject photography. Its size is 120 cm. This is a medium-sized device. Suitable for absolutely any studio flashes that have a Bowens mount.

The structure is easy to assemble and assemble. Made from materials High Quality. The light is distributed as evenly as possible over the image area. Protective covering anti-fading extends the life of the softbox for many years.

For such a device you will have to pay 3,200 rubles.

Mircopro SB-038 120 cm for studio flashes (Bowens mount) (SB-038_120)

Advantages:

• There is protection against burnout;
• Compact;
• Easy;
• Unusual octagonal shape;
• The light is distributed as evenly as possible across the frame;
• Volumetric image.

Flaws:

• Relatively high price.

“Resheto 40cm, shadowless tent softbox light cube”

This is an ultra-compact and very cheap lightcube softbox (1000 rubles). Designed for items that do not exceed 20 centimeters in size. To carry out high-quality shooting, the lightcube must be 2 times larger than the object being photographed. That's what the experts say.

Using Velcro, you can attach one of four background substrates to the lightcube. Substrate colors:

• White;
• Black;
• Blue;
• Red.

The laybox itself round shape. Easily folds into a bag and is transported without any problems.

Characteristics:

• Weight: 433 grams;
• 21x8 is the packaged size;
• Unfolded: 40x40x40 cm.

Resheto 40cm, shadowless softbox light cube tent

Advantages:

• Very cheap;
• Compact;
• Easy;
• There are 4 substrates.

Flaws:

• Not durable;
• Designed for photographing small items and objects.

“VISICO SB-030 50x70 cm”

Ideal for product and portrait photography. Sellers of camera equipment stores note that this is one of the best-selling models.

Can be safely used with constant light sources, as well as with powerful studio flashes turned on. This is possible due to the fact that the fabric is equipped with a heat-resistant coating. Convenient carrying case allows you to unnecessary problems transport the softbox.

This thing costs 2300 rubles.

VISICO SB-030 50x70 cm

Advantages:

• Heat-resistant materials;
• Can be used in different lighting conditions;
• Easy to transport;
• The cost is within normal limits;
• Compact.

Flaws:

• Not found.

“Spherical softbox VISICO FSD-800 QUICK BALL (80 cm)”

The most expensive model in our review. This amazing studio equipment costs about 7,000 rubles. Has a diameter of 80 cm. Made entirely of high quality materials.

There are backs installed here, which are made from durable polymer. This allows you to fold such a ball a large number of once, and it will not be damaged.

This is an ideal option for on-location photography.

There is a standard color temperature.

Spherical softbox VISICO FSD-800 QUICK BALL (80 cm)

Advantages:

• Suitable for outdoor work;
• High quality professional material;
• Thanks to the spherical design, the effect appears soft light.

Flaws:

• High price.

“Photex mini softbox for on-camera flashes SB-03 23x23cm”

An indispensable material for a photographer. For someone who is actively involved in portrait photography, this will be a real discovery. Also useful for product photography. With this softbox, the photographer gets almost unlimited possibilities. The device evenly scatters and distributes light rays.

The diffuser size is 23x23 cm and has a square shape. Fastening of the product can be done using flashes of the most different types. Thanks to this product, very high-quality photography is obtained. It will take just two minutes to set up this softbox.

Price: 1900 rubles.

Photex mini softbox for on-camera flashes SB-03 23×23cm

Advantages:

• Suitable for professionals;
• Quick setup;
• Easy;
• Inexpensive;
• Multifunctionality;
• Sufficient dimensions.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

The table lists all models considered:

Conclusion

Lungs portable structures for photography, which are called softboxes, have become very popular in our time. They are used by both beginners and professional photographers. Each person who is engaged in photography needs to choose an individual softbox, since everyone works in different styles. We have selected a rating of the best softboxes at the moment, and also described their purpose.

Softboxes are becoming more and more popular accessories for modern photographers. And manufacturers, naturally, adapt to consumer needs and expand the range of softboxes they produce. Today we want to talk about softboxes for on-camera flashes. They are produced different types. Which one should you choose? Which one is right for you?

First of all, of course, you need to find out what kind of softboxes exist in general, what functions one or another of their many models has. Well, and then choose from all this variety the softbox that you need and need. So, let's start to figure it out slowly and in order. First of all - with the most important parameters softboxes.

Fastening

There are two types of mounting a softbox on a flash: directly on its head or using a special bracket on a stand.

You can install small softboxes on the flash itself. Large ones require special separate mounting.

Those softbox models that are attached to the flash itself allow you to use it without removing it from the camera. Why is this good? And the fact that in this way we retain all the functions of the flash, namely TTL, HSS, rear curtain shooting and everything else. Large softboxes that require separate mounting also require separate synchronization. In these cases, you cannot do without a TTL sync cord or a radio synchronizer.

There is one more thing that needs to be said here. There are no large softboxes attached directly to the flash itself for one simple reason: do not forget that mounting this accessory in such a way assumes that the flash is mounted on the camera. And if it is located on the camera, then it means the lens is located directly under it. And if your softbox is large enough, then it will simply interfere with the lens. Well, or the lens will interfere with the softbox.

There are several types of softbox mounts for flashes.

The first, simplest one is on the so-called “Velcro”. Velcro is glued onto the flash head, and then the softbox itself is attached to this Velcro. Unfortunately, this method cannot be called the most convenient and the best. After all, by sticking Velcro onto the flash, you spoil its surface. And, besides, you won’t be able to put this softbox on another flash. At least until you buy a new Velcro.

The second type of fastening a softbox to a flash is a gel-based mount with an elastic band. The softbox is pressed against the flash head with a gel base, and then tightened on top with an elastic band. This type of fastening can perhaps be safely called one of the most universal. This type of fastening is very simple, and, unfortunately, not the most reliable. But, nevertheless, if the camera is not shaken very much during operation, then for a shooting day, for example, for a photographer shooting at a wedding, a mount of this kind may be quite sufficient. During this time, we think the softbox will not slide off the flash. And you don’t need to count on more.

The third type of fastening is fastening using a special adapter. And this mount cannot be called the most reliable and versatile. But this minus is more than compensated by its plus: the fact that this adapter allows you to install not only a softbox on the flash. Manufacturers have developed several sets of special accessories for detailed adapters.

Unitarity is the main disadvantage of adapters. The fact is that there are almost a dozen types of these devices. They are designed for various sizes flash heads. Simply put, if your flash is not the most popular and popular model, then choosing an adapter for it will be very problematic. In some cases, it will even have to be modified.

Attaching the flash directly to the softbox

This is how softboxes are attached big size. Until recently, there was only one mounting option of this type - through the flash shoe. But, alas. With such a mount whole line shortcomings. Which? Well, for example, if your synchronizer is quite large in size (at least Yongnuo YN-622C Canon E-TTL II), then such a flash mount simply will not allow you to place it as necessary.

And during reportage shooting, a softbox placed on a handle specially designed for this purpose, when moving on such a lever, can even damage the flash shoe, which is already experiencing increased loads.

Until recently, softbox mounts were exclusively on the flash shoe. But a few months ago, models finally appeared on sale that are mounted not on a shoe, but on the flash head. We would call this type of fastening more natural. After all, it captures the flash much more clearly.

Why are we so confident in the naturalness of such fastening? Here's why. Let's try an experiment. Take your flash in hand. Well, how did you get it? Surely, purely intuitively, you grabbed it by the head, as it was both convenient and safe.

Unfortunately, today softboxes with such a mount are supplied to Russia only for Grifon flashes. It’s also good that in addition to the softbox, you can install many other accessories on such a mount, for example, an umbrella or some other attachment that has a Bowens mount. This is a reflector, a beauty dish, and similar light modifiers.

Please note that in this mount the flash synchronizer will be located on its hot shoe. Considering that the synchronizer itself is 5-10 times lighter in weight than the flash, this will not give a critical load when moving.

Screen size and shape

Based on their shape, softboxes can mainly be divided into two large groups: octoboxes and quadroboxes. The former have an octagonal shape, the latter are quadrangular or closer to a square. There are also round-shaped softboxes, but they are quite rare. Round softboxes are mostly small.

The shape of the softbox screen first affects the shape of the glare it creates. And this glare is reflected in shiny objects that fall into the frame. Such objects, for example, could be a model’s glasses, glass from windows or shop windows, reflective surfaces of cars, and much more. In some cases, the shape of the softbox can even be seen in the pupils of the subject's eyes. Of course, if the photo was taken on good level quality.

And the size of the softbox primarily affects the softness of the light. Everything here is very, very simple. The larger the reflective surface, in our case it is a softbox, the softer the light it gives. But still, to be more precise, the softness of the light pattern is affected not by the size of the reflective surface itself, but by the ratio of these dimensions to the size of the object being photographed. If we explain this in popular language, then we can give the following example. Let's say you're photographing a teacup for an online store. If you first shoot it with a softbox measuring 10x15 cm, and then with a softbox measuring 15x20 cm, you will immediately see the difference in the pictures. But if you, with these same two softboxes, take turns filming a person in full height- you will practically not feel the difference in lighting.

But in general experienced craftsmen It is recommended to shoot portraits with softboxes with a screen size of 40 cm or more. This can be a quadbox 40x40 cm or an octobox with a diameter of more than 50 cm.

Types of softbox dome designs

Three of these types can be distinguished.

The first of these is the umbrella design. There is no need to tell how such softboxes work - this is clear from the name itself. Experts consider the umbrella design of a softbox to be the most successful. It allows you to unfold and fold the softbox quite quickly. Due to the fact that nowadays there are more and more girls among photographers, the degree of effort to bring the softbox to working condition- not the least of its working properties. And for representatives of the stronger sex, the speed of deployment and collapse of equipment is also important. After all, sometimes you have to film very quickly.

Softboxes from Westcott and Phottix have an umbrella design among the softboxes supplied to Russia today.

The second type of softbox dome design is the Twist Flex design. This type of softbox unfolds like a light reflector. A hard springy hoop is inserted into each of its sides. This hoop gives the softbox rigidity and allows it to be rolled up without much difficulty. When folded, this softbox easily fits into a small handbag.

The third type of softbox design is the so-called regular softbox. Companies that today produce equipment for studio photography produce special adapters that allow you to install a regular studio softbox on spokes on an on-camera flash. On the one hand, this is very convenient precisely because the same softbox can be attached to both a studio flash and an on-camera flash, but, on the other hand, big problem This is where the compactness of the softbox itself and the efficiency of operation in general turn out to be.

We told you today about softboxes that are produced nowadays for on-camera flashes. Leading positions on Russian market photo accessories today are occupied by softboxes from companies Grifon, Fujimi, Falcon Eyes and several other manufacturers. The softboxes of all these companies are very different both in their quality and in their design. If you need more detailed and thorough information on photo accessories, we advise you to contact specialized companies and stores, including online stores. Well, for example, in Photogor. Usually they don’t refuse help there.

I would like to think that the information presented in our article today was useful to you and gave you some food for thought. Now you have at least a little knowledge of the various models of softboxes for camera flashes, and you can choose the accessory that is right for you and is right for you.

Very often, people who have recently picked up a camera complain: “I would really like to start taking portraits, but I don’t have not only a studio for this, but even decent, let alone good, equipment...”. They sincerely believe that in order to engage in portrait photography, you need expensive lighting, tripods, multiple backgrounds and more. And sometimes they don’t even have an external flash. But, nevertheless, it is absolutely impossible to refuse experiments in portrait photography, even in such meager conditions. There are a huge number of other, much simpler ways to create good photographic portraits and simple lighting options.

Most often, novice amateur photographers have a camera with a so-called on-camera, or, in other words, a built-in flash. If your camera is equipped with a flash with a rotating head, this is very good. This flash will easily allow you to use the TTL system ( Through The Lens), that is, a method of measuring exposure directly through the shooting lens of the camera. And further swivel head flash will give you the opportunity to use reflected light when shooting.

In order to photograph a model with reflected light, you need to rotate the flash head so that the light flux emanating from its pulse does not fall on the model itself, but on some surface that can “work” as a reflector. Simply put, a uniformly painted wall or ceiling. Such surfaces usually have a good reflective effect. Once on such a surface, the light flux from the flash will be reflected from it and, in a diffuse, even form, will softly illuminate the person you are photographing. This type of lighting is much more attractive than head-on lighting. The possibility of getting bad pictures when photographing with reflected light is reduced to almost zero. For experience, you can photograph your model twice: with frontal flash lighting and with reflected light. And, as they say, “feel the difference.”

Reflected light, falling on the subject not from the source itself, but from a reflective surface, greatly expands your possibilities. If instead of a wall or ceiling you use, for example, just a sheet of whatman paper, a piece of foam plastic or something similar, or even an ordinary newspaper, then you can get more top scores. The light from such a reflector can be directed in any way you want. You can even make some reflectors yourself various forms and sizes. You just need to paint them white or light gray.

Using just one light source, it's not difficult to create the illusion in your photo that you were photographing your model with multiple lighting fixtures. How to do it? Very simple! The subject should be positioned in the corner of the room in which you are filming, and the light source, a flash, for example, should be directed at the side wall. And even better - at an angle into the ceiling. This angle must be chosen in such a way that the light reflected from the ceiling hits your model’s hair. At the same time, the light, which in this case will also be reflected from the wall, will also give the effect of another light source. But when photographing under this lighting scheme, you need to be very careful. Here you should pay attention Special attention on the position of the model's face. It should form a beautiful light-shadow pattern.

Professional photographers often use softboxes when shooting portraits. This special devices, which allow the light flux from lighting fixtures to be made much softer and directed the way you need. To the point of illuminating only part of the person being portrayed, for example, the forehead or eyes. Softboxes can be purchased in specialized stores. There are various versions of them on sale, even those developed by manufacturers specifically for on-camera flashes.

In portrait photography, it is also good to use special reflective umbrellas. They are also sold in stores. Umbrellas provide soft and diffused lighting over a larger area than softboxes, almost covering the entire room. This is precisely the difficulty of working with them, and not only this, but also the fact that when shooting with an umbrella it is difficult to control the direction of the light.

Here we should remind you of one more thing. From school course physicists you must remember that than larger area light source, the softer the lighting that comes from it. Compare, for example, the light from large window and light from a small halogen lamp. Same goes for umbrellas and softboxes. For example, using a large softbox when shooting, you will receive a wide beam of soft light that will seem to envelop your model.

Now let's say a few words about working with the remote, external flash. There are practically no problems with them now. Both flashes themselves and SLR cameras are so advanced today that they allow you to work without any cables that get tangled under your feet. Flash with remote control can be installed anywhere in the room where you work. But let us remind you once again: be careful! The light from the flash is quite hard, and therefore you should not point it directly at the subject. We recommend softening this light with softboxes, umbrellas or reflectors.

When shooting with softboxes and off-camera flash, you need to first experiment, or, more precisely, find such a position of the light source and its combination with the softbox so that the light-shadow pattern on the model’s face would be interesting and attractive. Unsuccessful, incorrect use of a softbox can only ruin the portrait, and the model will be very unhappy with your work. Alternatively, we can recommend placing the light source and softbox to the side and slightly above the model.

In our case, the softbox acts as the main light source. This light can be a modeling light, or simply work as a highlight, for example, of hair or something else. The main thing, no matter how you use the softbox, is to install it so that the face of the subject is well and beautifully lit.

If you are shooting a portrait outdoors, then natural sunlight can be combined with artificial lighting, including flash with a softbox. A flash with a softbox can, for example, illuminate the background. But in such cases it is better not to take photographs open area, where the sun shines very brightly, and somewhere in the shade. In this case, the softbox should be used in exactly the same way as when shooting indoors - as artificial lighting, and natural light will highlight the model’s hair.

When shooting indoors, a softbox alone will sometimes not provide sufficient lighting. Here an umbrella or reflector will help you, which will act as a second light source.

Let us remind you once again that before you start working with the subject, you need to very carefully prepare for shooting, prepare the room, set up and check all the equipment. You can even practice putting on a beautiful and the right light on one of your friends or family members. Try moving light sources from place to place, placing the model in different points of the room. For example, closer or further from the wall or from the window. You can turn the chandelier on or off, hang it on the window tulle curtain or remove it. There are plenty of options. You can use both as light sources table lamp, and an ordinary flashlight... You can take a good portrait without a flash... Modern cameras today operate at high photosensitivity values, and this allows you to shoot, including portraits, even just by the light of a candle flame.

I would like to think that everything we told you about today will allow you to draw some conclusions that nice pictures are obtained not by those who can afford to purchase expensive and good photographic equipment, powerful and modern lighting devices, but by those who know how to approach any task creatively. Never forget that it is not the camera that takes photographs, but the photographer. We hope that this article will give you an incentive to improve your photography skills and a push for new creative discoveries. Good luck to you!

Beauty dishes, softboxes, stripboxes, reflectors, umbrellas of all types and sizes, ring flashes, etc... It's a little like choosing a new car - there are many options, but which one will suit your needs?

beauty plate

A beauty dish helps highlight facial details and skin texture. It is often used for fashion photography and makeup photography.

There are two types of beauty plates: with a silver surface and with a white surface. Silver gives a slightly harsher and more contrasting light, and white gives a softer light. They also vary in size; 40 cm, 56 cm and 70 cm are considered classic.

A small disk inside the dish reflects light back to its surface, meaning that no direct light falls on the subject. Also, when using this modifier, you get a beautiful reflection in the model’s eyes.

Cup reflector

The basic option is the standard bowl-shaped reflector that comes with a studio flash. There are reflectors different sizes and depths for different lighting qualities. They are generally suitable for hard, direct light.

A high-contrast light with clear shadows will appear on the model's face. If you want to take a soft portrait, this reflector is not for you.

This is a small modifier that you can use to play with shadows. Pointing it at white wall, you will get diffused lighting, and the wall will act as a large reflector.

Photo umbrella

There are many different shapes and sizes of umbrellas on the market. Big advantage The great thing about a photo umbrella is that it can be quickly set up and doesn't take up much space when folded.

A silver umbrella is useful for hard and contrasting lighting. A white umbrella placed between the model and the flash softens and diffuses the light, filling the studio with soft, natural light.

The silver umbrella with diffusing fabric is a mixture of both options. The silver side creates contrasting light, and the diffusing fabric softens.

Ring flash

Ring flash creates even illumination without visible shadows, a beautiful reflection in the eyes of the subject and a subtle halo in the portrait. It can be used in combination with other light sources.

Softbox

Softbox is a classic light modifier that also comes in different configurations and sizes: square, rectangular, octagonal, etc... Softboxes also come in silver and white. The larger the softbox, the more diffuse light You'll get.

Stripbox

A stripbox is a long, rectangular softbox that can be used to produce less shadow than with a square softbox.

A very long stripbox casts light on a long, narrow area, such as a full-length portrait, while creating less shadow than a square softbox.

In conclusion, we note that there is no correct or wrong choice, when it comes to the light modifier. They're just all different. The best one for you will be the one that matches the intended effect in the portrait.

Purpose and specifics of using a softbox. Types of softboxes and their design features. The most popular softbox models.

A softbox is a special attachment to a light source. The device is designed to create diffuse soft lighting, while reducing harsh glare. Today, such equipment is actively used in studio photography.

There are many types of softbox. There is a strip (stripbox), which is a narrow rectangular softbox, and an octobox, which is an octagonal device. These types are the most popular in studio photography.

Softbox has closed design, which consists of 2 parts, one of them is a diffuser, the second a reflector. It is necessary to choose the correct reflector shape in order to achieve the most uniform illumination of the diffuser. Thus, you will receive a light source, which is a uniformly illuminated plane of fairly large dimensions. This ensures the creation of smooth, soft shadows and high detail in shadowed 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 highlight the shape of an object.

The fundamental difference between softboxes and photo umbrellas is significantly better control of the light flow. Such modifiers have a simple design: the back is concave, with an internal reflective surface. External part covered with black and the front part with white diffuser fabric.

Softboxes provide for the supply of light in only one direction - onto the object being photographed, while it does not spill over different directions. This is very useful, in particular when photographing indoors, where the light from umbrellas can form completely uncontrollable reflections from the wall and ceiling.

Ordinary softboxes used with monoblocks are not particularly designed for portable mobile studios. It's not a matter of the fasteners themselves, because there are special adapter holders for installing ordinary flashes and softboxes with bayonet 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 with closed apertures. Speeches are coming that such softboxes do not allow frequent assembly and disassembly. In a stationary studio, they can remain assembled for years, which is correct. Without delving into the nuances of assembly, we will only note that this will require enough time, and the risk of equipment failure increases.

In portable studios, as a rule, they use quick-folding softboxes. There are two types of such softboxes, which have both their advantages and disadvantages.

An easy box type 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 come in square, round and rectangular. They fold according to the principle of reflective umbrellas. The flash is located inside when directed towards a reflective surface.

This type has quite a few advantages. These include simplicity, because the device can be unfolded and installed in a minute. It is also very compact both in working and folded states. When transporting, it can easily be placed in any case or bag along with other umbrellas or stands. When installed, the dimensions forward and backward are very small, because the stand with the flash is located not at the back, but in the middle of the modifier. In addition, such a softbox makes it possible 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 an easybox design. At the same time, the cost of an umbrella-type softbox will be lower.

For the sake of fairness, we note that due to the internal location of the flash, it is not entirely convenient to change the power compared to an easybox, where everything is in the public domain. In an umbrella-type device, you must first open the front diffuser and then gain access to the controls, which creates certain inconveniences.