Lighting is one, if not the only, important aspect when it comes to taking great pictures. Softbox lighting can really work for you when done correctly. Here are 6 tips to follow when using softbox lighting.
Softboxes are a great tool when taking photographs of products and models. There are several types, but with imagination and practice, you can use one in a variety of ways. Keep in mind these ideas next time you use a softbox.
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1. Jewelry
Bring out the details in jewelry products with a softbox. A great background and lighting can be achieved with a softbox. Use something shiny to lay the jewelry on and play around with the angles of the light to get the best of of the jewelry piece.
Bring out the details in jewelry products with a softbox. A great background and lighting can be achieved with a softbox. Use something shiny to lay the jewelry on and play around with the angles of the light to get the best of of the jewelry piece.
2. Movie face
Also called "monster lighting", this is where one light source is used, coming from below the subject. This is a popular movie poster look that you can achieve as well. Put the softbox in front of your subject and have them bend a little for a great angle of their face.
Also called "monster lighting", this is where one light source is used, coming from below the subject. This is a popular movie poster look that you can achieve as well. Put the softbox in front of your subject and have them bend a little for a great angle of their face.
3. Softbox window
Using different materials in front of the softbox can change the lighting effects on the subject. Put the softbox away from the subject and have a piece of silk several feet in front of the box. This effect is similar to light coming from a bay window, which makes everything crisp and bright.
Using different materials in front of the softbox can change the lighting effects on the subject. Put the softbox away from the subject and have a piece of silk several feet in front of the box. This effect is similar to light coming from a bay window, which makes everything crisp and bright.
4. Even light
If you are taking shots of a large group of people, you want to make sure the light is even throughout the picture. To do this with one lightbox, take a picture of each person with the light turned horizontal. Combine the shots with software afterwards.
If you are taking shots of a large group of people, you want to make sure the light is even throughout the picture. To do this with one lightbox, take a picture of each person with the light turned horizontal. Combine the shots with software afterwards.
5. Design
Other products, besides jewelry, can really benefit from using a softbox as part of their design in shots. Use blacktape on the softbox for different effects that can be reflected off shiny products. White reflectors can also be used to bring out more details in the product.
Other products, besides jewelry, can really benefit from using a softbox as part of their design in shots. Use blacktape on the softbox for different effects that can be reflected off shiny products. White reflectors can also be used to bring out more details in the product.
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6. Light bounce
Make your light source greater by bouncing it off a wall or another large object. Place the softbox at a 45 degree angle to the wall to greatly increase the amount of light. Highlights will be added to your subject as well as a softer look.
Make your light source greater by bouncing it off a wall or another large object. Place the softbox at a 45 degree angle to the wall to greatly increase the amount of light. Highlights will be added to your subject as well as a softer look.