quick video 2 : umbrella or softbox?
June 12, 2008 – 1:00 amIn 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:
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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
.
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13 Responses to “quick video 2 : umbrella or softbox?”
It is getting better and better.
Every video teaches me something REALLY useful! Thanks Jim
By Dennis on Jun 12, 2008
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
By Robert on Jun 12, 2008
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.
By John Brainard on Jun 12, 2008
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.
By Jim Talkington on Jun 12, 2008
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.
By John Brainard on Jun 12, 2008
Hi Jim,
i wanna thank you for your great videos! I learn a lot from them. THANK YOU!
By Andre on Jun 12, 2008
So, Jim’s now the Popeye of photoblogging?
I enjoy these quickie videos, Jim.
By Craig Lee on Jun 12, 2008
“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?
By Jim Talkington on Jun 12, 2008
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
By John Brainard on Jun 12, 2008
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.
By wilksonian on Jun 12, 2008
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.
By Jim Talkington on Jun 12, 2008
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…
By elzora on Jun 12, 2008
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.
By Danny on Jun 13, 2008