Stand-mounted softboxes come in a multi-
tude of shapes and sizes ranging from
squares to rectangles to ovals to octagons.
Most photographers use standard square or
rectangular softboxes. However, some pho-
tographers prefer to use oval or octagonal
ones for the way that they mimic umbrellas
and give a more pleasing round shape to
the catchlights in the eyes. This is mostly a
matter or personal preference. I, for one,
usually use a medium sized rectangular
softbox.
As with umbrellas, the size of the softbox
you need to use is dependent on the sub-
ject you are photographing. Softboxes can
be taken apart and folded up pretty conve-
niently —most of them come with storage
bag that can be used to transport them.
Softbox alternatives
If you are working on a budget, or just aren’t
sure you are ready to invest in a softbox, a
more economical approach is to use a diffu-
sion panel. A diffusion panel is basically a
frame made out of PVC pipe with a reflec-
tive nylon stretched over it. It functions
much in the same way as a soft box, but you
have more control over the quality of the
light. Because the PVC frame can be disas-
sembled easily and packed away into a
small bag for storage or for transport to and
from location, it makes it great for the
portable studio.
Diffusion panels are usually about six feet
tall and have a base which allows it stand
up without the need of a light stand. The dif-
fusion panel is placed in front of the subject.
Your Speedlight is then mounted on a light
stand using the AS-19 adaptor that is sup-
plied with it. You can move the Speedlight
closer to the diffusion panel for more direc-
tional light or further away for a softer and
more even light. For a full length portrait,
you should place two Speedlights behind
the panel, one near the top and one closer
to the bottom.
A diffusion panel can also be used as a
reflector when used in conjunction with
another light source. Diffusion panels can
be purchased at most major camera stores
at a fraction of the price of a good softbox.
If you’re feeling crafty, a diffu-
sion panel can be made from
items easily found in your local
hardware and fabric store.
Numerous sites are on the
Internet that offer advice on
how to construct one.
