quick video 2 : umbrella or softbox?
12 June 2008
20 Comments
In answer to another reader question: what’s better, an umbrella or a softbox? Well, they’re both light modifiers that soften light and in many situations they can give similar results. Here’s a quick video to show some features of each:
Subscribers view video here:
In the video: on the right, the Calumet Genesis 200 1-Light Kit (the strobe, 8″ reflector, 10′ light stand and umbrella). On the left, the same basic kit minus umbrella and with the Nova Soft Box, White Interior, 36 x 48″
and Elinchrom / Genesis Speedring Kit
.
It is getting better and better.
Every video teaches me something REALLY useful! Thanks Jim
Hi Jim
Congratulations on the videos .Thay are awesome.
Ilove it and learn o lot thenks.
I have one request to you if is posible.
If you could make a video about how to position a model for portrait photography?
Thenk.Regards Robert
Jim… I see you’ve lost weight! Way to go.
Actually.. It appears to be you shot the video in widescreen format.
Thanks for this information. I think I might just spring for that Genesis 200 kit when I get back from vacation.
Whoops, how did that happen? I posted a more realistic update…and John, no weight loss here…I’ve just gotten taller.
Where are you headed on vacation?
Thanks for the support, guys, I’ll work on something for model posing in a future video, for sure.
You got taller and acquired pop-eye arms! Congratulations. Now, if you’ll tell my wife how you did it, she might be one happy woman. At 4′ 9″ tall, she’s getting rather tired of the short jokes…. In fact, when I tell them, she gets very short with me!
We’ll be in California to visit my wifes parents for a week. I’m excited about the prospect of getting some pictures out there. I think I’ll have to borrow their car and take some pictures in the desert.
Hi Jim,
i wanna thank you for your great videos! I learn a lot from them. THANK YOU!
So, Jim’s now the Popeye of photoblogging?
I enjoy these quickie videos, Jim.
“I yam what I yam and that’s all that I yam…”
Hmmmm, I wonder if there are a Brutus, Wimpie and Olive Oyl of photoblogging?
I think I’m begging to lose the rights to the title, “Dorky Photographer!”
I think I might fit the description of Wimpy. I do love my hamburgers… In fact, when I’m sitting down to eat one fresh off the grill, I often imagine Wimpy with his tray full of them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Wellington_Wimpy
2 things come to mind watching this video
You didn’t mention grids for the softbox as an additional modifier and an advantage in light control (although they do increase cost.)
2nd thing is I’d like to say thanks for the video and encourage you to keep it up. It’s really awesome to think that a reader posted question can be answered by a video that is this direct and personable. It’s as if I’m in the studio with you and I’m learning a ton. thanks again.
Ahhh, the grids for the softbox…that’s a good one, wilksonian, thanks for mentioning it. I don’t actually have one at the studio but will be sure to mention it when it applies to future situations.
It’s surreal watching the videos now, having been at the studio. Keep the videos coming; thanks for this one. I’m tired of making soft boxes and may invest in one now. Having seen them in person, too, I think some horses may even brave a soft box with a modeling studio strobe. Hmm…
I always have a problem with the umbrella reflection, in the eyes. The problem, is that there is always that small black dot, from the flash head, right in the middle of the highlight. To me, it’s not natural. I prefer a soft box, on anything that reflects the light source.
I really enjoy these videos. Thank You.
Excellent Video
Thank you very much for share your knowledge.
God Bless you.
Raul De Los Santos
[...] Is there a preference between using an umbrella or softbox with studio strobes? [...]
Thank you for your videos, I am learning so much. I am in the process of determining which equipment is best to get started without spending a lot of money, and this umbrella light you have shown, Calumet Genesis 200 1-Light Kit, looks like it would be perfect to start with. I notice on their site that they offer 2 for a very good price. Would it serve me well to purchase the two of them (two identical light kits) to use for portraits, or should I be looking for a different kind of light for a 2nd or 3rd source of light?
For that matter, if I were going to purchase two lights to start with, what would you recommend? If I add a 3rd light, what do you recommend?
Your advice is much appreciated. Thank you again!
Good question, Heidi. Part of the answer comes easily to me and part of it doesn’t.
Let’s talk about where we ultimately want to go and how to get there. If you’re working toward offering serious portrait photography I think the goal should be to work toward eventually owning a three light setup. A whole lot can be done with three lights…you can then always create a main, fill and background light. I’ll give you some thoughts but, ultimately, let you decide on how to spend the money on your journey toward the goal.
Super budget setup: eventually having 3 of the Genesis 200 lights. You’d have the bases covered with quality lights on a relatively low budget. Start with a one light kit and add a 2 light kit later.
My preference: 2 of the Genesis 200 lights and 1 of the Genesis 400 lights. This will give more power for the main light if needed for shooting family portraits. I feel like I could do a lot with this setup.
Thinking way ahead: if you think you’ll ever get into photographing large groups (reunions, class photos, etc.) then it’s nice to have two more powerful lights to light each side of the group. In that case you might want a 2 light Genesis 400 kit and and then add a Genesis 200 for the third light.
Let me know if this helps!
Thank you so much Jim, I appreciate your prompt reply. Your recommendations helped me very much. Since I have the budget for it right now, I’m going to buy the Calumet Genesis 200 2-Light Kit and work toward purchasing one of the Genesis 400 light kits later. Since it seems like I’m making so many purchases lately, while I’m just getting started, I think this will help get me on my way without feeling like I’m craving more for the interm.
Thanks again. I’m sure I’ll be asking lots more questions, and I appreciate you and your site very much.
~Heidi
Do you know if the Chimera Elinchrom Quick Release Speed Ring will work on the genesis strobes?
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