{"id":95076,"date":"2023-06-14T10:00:31","date_gmt":"2023-06-14T14:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=95076"},"modified":"2024-06-13T23:04:54","modified_gmt":"2024-06-14T03:04:54","slug":"softbox","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/softbox\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Softbox? And How to Use It\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

For many photographic genres<\/a>, regardless of whether you shoot indoors or outdoors, you may be required to modify the available light by adding artificial light sources. This allows you to control the light\u2019s direction, angle, intensity, and even color. The only thing you cannot change is the quality of light produced by an artificial source \u2014 that’s a built-in property of the device. This may be an issue because artificial light can sometimes be harsh and directional. Therefore, you need a tool that is able to modify the quality of light and make it look softer, more natural, and more pleasant. In short, you need a softbox<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

What is a Softbox?<\/h2>\n

A softbox is a light modifier. This means it can capture the light coming from a light source and change its properties. In the particular case of a softbox, the change consists of a softening and diffusing effect. The softbox also spreads the light more evenly than the light source does.<\/p>\n

A softbox is made of wire and fabric. It looks like a strange box, narrower at one end and wider at the opposite end. It may come in many shapes and sizes, but the sides are trapezoidal. The source of light fits at the narrow end. The wide end is covered with a diffusing white fabric that makes the light evenly distributed and smooth. A softbox usually has a white interior, although you can find variations such as glossy or silver inner lining.<\/p>\n

How to Use a Softbox<\/h2>\n

One can use a softbox in almost any situation because it flatters all types of subject matter and complements the available light (e.g., sunlight or ambient interior lights). A softbox is also unpretentious regarding its position relative to the subject (e.g., in front of the subject, on a side, above, or behind it). And it works with speed lights, strobes, and continuous lights<\/a> just as well. A softbox is often used as a fill light<\/a> in 3-point lighting setups to add a sense of depth, make the subject stand out from the background, and avoid taking flat photographs. The softbox reduces harsh shadows and creates a pleasant ambiance.<\/p>\n

Of course, you can use a softbox as the primary light, placed in front of the subject to provide the main illumination. Soft and diffused light complements the subject\u2019s features, hiding skin imperfections, for example, and smoothing surfaces. For macro photography<\/a>, it\u2019s easy to imagine a light design with the primary light modified by a small softbox. The angle at which you position the light source influences how much shadow you create. And you can always add a fill light (also with a softbox on) to create the 3D space you need.<\/p>\n

If you need perfect highlights, you need a softbox. A long and narrow softbox (aka a strip box) creates linear highlights that emphasize the features of objects (cars, for example) or persons (hair glow, muscle highlighting, etc.). But even a regular softbox can brighten materials that reflect light and create beautiful highlights.<\/p>\n

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Photo from Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When to Use a Softbox<\/h2>\n

Use a softbox any time you use a self-standing artificial light source that supports a softbox. The condition is to have a light source-subject distance that makes lighting efficient. The softbox reduces the light intensity and decreases the fall-out of the light. Therefore, the subject needs to be a little bit closer to the light than when shooting without a softbox.<\/p>\n

Portrait and fashion photographers use a softbox in the studio and outdoors because it smoothes the skin, removes imperfections, and flatters the subject. It also enhances highlights, emphasizes details, and brings out the best physiognomy and clothing features. Furthermore, the soft light is not so disturbing for the model and helps them relax and enjoy the photo shoot. So, use a softbox whenever you photograph people from a reasonable distance. Diffused light is also good for photographing insects<\/a>. If you have a fixed photo setup in your garden, you can use a softbox to ensure you have enough light for macro photography without disturbing your tiny subjects.<\/p>\n

You should also consider a softbox for product and food photography. It produces even lighting that surrounds the subject and creates a commercially-appealing composition. In this case, an artificial light source with a softbox may be the only light source for the scene. Furthermore, if you have white surfaces in the scene (e.g., background, tabletop, plates, etc.), the softbox will increase brightness, smooth imperfections, and make the subject stand out.<\/p>\n

A strip box is particularly useful to emphasize highlights, bring details to life, and make people and objects look outstanding. It can be used as a hair light<\/a> in portraits or detail-enhancer light in automotive portraiture. Thin glowing edges add a sense of depth and recreate the three-dimensionality of the subject.<\/p>\n

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Photo from Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Types of Softboxes<\/h2>\n

Although all softboxes share the purpose of softening and spreading light, their shape, size, and material make a difference. Thus, to achieve the effect you are after, you need to understand the different types of softboxes and use the right one for each photo setup.<\/p>\n

Based on shape, softboxes are:<\/p>\n