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10/31/2005 07:45:11 PM · #1 |
Can someone explain to me with real world examples when each one of the above would be used? Let's say you have both which one would you use in what case?
I know umbrellas are more portable but I think there are foldable soft boxes too.
Thanks
Nick
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10/31/2005 08:10:11 PM · #2 |
umbrellas: cheap & portable
soft boxes:
expensive, high degree of control of light fall off, have to buy for the same system of lights, multiple shapes & sizes , require better stands and or booms
-- when to use .. when cheap & portable doesn't work - you have to go to soft boxes
when you need absolute control, or anything but round ... go softbox ...
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10/31/2005 08:29:18 PM · #3 |
From my limited experience while using both type of light modifiers, soft boxes diffuse light to a big area. They produce very even light and shadows (if any) are very soft with no sharp edges. Umbrellas diffuse the light more than a direct flash, but since they are reflective, you will get more directional light and shadows have a tendency to have more defined edges.
As to when to use which, that's up to you and what you are trying to achieve. I personally prefer soft or no shadow at all for portraiture; so I use soft box. But sometimes, I want to have half of my subject face in shadow so the umbrella work better I think.
Again, that's from my limitied user expereince. |
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