Do You Really Understand Softboxes? Here Are the Major Differences You Need to Know

Not all softboxes are made equal, and their differences can be quite dramatic. Here's everything you need to know about choosing the right softbox.

Softboxes are one of those essential items most photographers will use to modify their off-camera light sources. This week, Jay P Morgan of The Slanted Lens talks through this very subject with a comprehensive look at the many differences between various softboxes. The most useful way to compare these light modifiers is with side-by-side comparisons. Thankfully for us, Morgan provides images that let us see the differences for ourselves on screen. He also rather interestingly shows how turning a softbox's orientation from horizontal to vertical can make a big difference in the nature of the light. This is something I haven't seen mentioned in a video before and is a valuable piece of information to know.

He also goes on to show the differences between having silver or white lining inside a softbox and how that too can affect the light source. All in all, this video is a detailed look at what to look for in a softbox. I like to think I know my way around this particular light modifier, but I still found elements of this video rather useful. To understand every single detail about how your equipment works is vital if you want to get the best out of it.

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Paul Parker is a commercial and fine art photographer. On the rare occasion he's not doing photography he loves being outdoors, people watching, and writing awkward "About Me" statements on websites...

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