Softbox shape?

[Raven]

Just wondering if anyone can tell me what the pros and cons of different shaped softboxes please. I've seen square, rectangular and octagonal.

I'm really clueless about lighting

Thanks!

[I @ M]

As well as the square, rectangular and octagonal that you have mentioned you will find a few other shapes and varying sizes out there. Strip, as in a very long narrow rectangular shape, soft boxes seem to be popular for full length shots and then there are 'grided' versions of the various shapes as well.

If you are photographing predominantly head and upper body shots and want to deliberately keep 'catch lights' in the eyes of the subjects the octagonal boxes seem to work well by leaving a more rounded shape to the catch light where as the square or rectangular boxes leave the corresponding shape light in the eyes.

Unfortunately lighting modifiers don't come in a one size and shape fits all scenarios and one needs a very healthy credit card to buy all the necessary combinations out there to suit every style going.

I just keep experimenting with the couple of rectangular boxes we have and shoot through umbrellas as the old credit card is not that healthy.

[bigdazzler]

Yep i have square ones and rectangular ones. An octo is next on my list, along with a largeish beauty dish.

I use my square foldable speedlight boxes for headshots and my rectangular ones for 3/4 torso and full body work.

[Raven]

Unfortunately lighting modifiers don't come in a one size and shape fits all scenarios and one needs a very healthy credit card to buy all the necessary combinations out there to suit every style going.

That's what I was worried about lol. Thanks guys!

[bigdazzler]

Raven, a good starting point is a largeish rectangular shape. They are versatile and you can pick up the cheaper ones on eBay, like a 50x70 for well under $100.

Do you plan to use it with studio heads or small speedlight type flashes ?? If you want it for your SB, these are great fun for headshots and portraits etc ..

[Raven]

Raven, a good starting point is a largeish rectangular shape. They are versatile and you can pick up the cheaper ones on eBay, like a 50x70 for well under $100.

Do you plan to use it with studio heads or small speedlight type flashes ?? If you want it for your SB, these are great fun for headshots and portraits etc ..

Thanks I've been looking at ##############'s website! Didn't realise they were on ebay too.

Will be using it with studio head but still not sure which type to get...funds are a bit tight ATM again so will have to wait till I get more work.

[Zac]

Thanks I've been looking at ##############'s website! Didn't realise they were on ebay too.

Will be using it with studio head but still not sure which type to get...funds are a bit tight ATM again so will have to wait till I get more work.

############## have a few softboxes on eBay, but the really nice stuff is on their website. Their QikBoxes fold down really fast and come in a good range of shapes and sizes... square, rectangular, octo and stripbox. Very handy!

They also keep more options for speedlights than I have seen elsewhere, the Westcott Apollos are very nice...

[eliemarga]

Hi, as far as I can understand the shape and size of soft box is strongly related to your needs, how big is the coverage you want, etc.

lightning modifier such as soft box is there to accommodate photographer when they build their lightning setup. It does come with different shape and size so that you have more control on how the light should be