1. Choosing the Right Small Softbox:
* Size Matters: While "small" is subjective, generally, softboxes in the 12"x16" to 24"x24" range are considered small and portable. The larger the softbox *relative to your subject's size*, the softer the light.
* Shape:
* Square/Rectangle: Versatile and common. Can create a catchlight in the eyes that is either square or rectangular.
* Octagon: More closely mimics the shape of the sun, creating rounder, more natural-looking catchlights.
* Mounting System: Ensure the softbox is compatible with your flash (speedlight or strobe). Common mounts include:
* Speedlight Brackets: These attach to your flash and then connect to the softbox. Some use Velcro, others have more robust locking mechanisms.
* Bowens Mount: More common with strobes, but adapters exist to use Bowens-mount softboxes with speedlights. This is a more secure and versatile system.
* Materials: Look for good quality diffusion panels (the white fabric at the front) that distribute the light evenly. Interior materials (silver or white) can affect the light's character. Silver reflects more light and can be slightly more contrasty, while white provides a softer, more even reflection.
2. Setting Up Your Flash and Softbox:
* Mount the Flash: Securely attach your flash to the speedlight bracket or Bowens adapter.
* Attach the Softbox: Connect the softbox to the bracket. Make sure it's securely locked in place.
* Positioning: This is crucial!
* Off-Camera: Using the softbox *off-camera* is almost always better than on-camera. This allows you to control the direction of the light and create more dimension. You'll need a flash trigger and receiver to fire the flash remotely.
* Angle: Aim the softbox down at a roughly 45-degree angle towards your subject. This mimics natural light from the sun. Adjust the angle to modify the shadows.
* Distance: The closer the softbox is to your subject, the softer the light. Move it closer for a softer look and further away for a slightly more contrasty look. Don't get so close that it's distracting or uncomfortable for your subject.
* Height: Adjust the height of the softbox for different effects. Lowering it can emphasize cheekbones, while raising it can create a more even light on the face.
* Power Settings: Start with a low flash power setting (e.g., 1/32 or 1/16) and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired exposure. Use your camera's histogram as a guide. Avoid clipping the highlights.
3. Key Lighting Techniques with a Small Softbox:
* Key Light: The main light source illuminating your subject. Position the softbox to one side of your subject (around 45 degrees) to create shadows that define the face.
* Fill Light: A secondary light source used to soften the shadows created by the key light. You can use:
* Reflector: A simple and effective way to bounce light back into the shadows. Position it opposite the softbox. Silver reflectors provide a brighter fill, while white reflectors are softer.
* Second Flash: A second flash with a lower power setting can be used as a fill light. You'll need a second trigger and receiver.
* Wall/Surface: If you're shooting indoors, you can bounce the light off a white wall or ceiling to create a natural fill.
* Rim Light (Hair Light): A light positioned behind your subject to separate them from the background and create a halo effect. This usually requires a third flash.
4. Camera Settings:
* Mode: Manual mode is recommended for full control over your exposure.
* Aperture: Choose an aperture that gives you the desired depth of field. For portraits, f/2.8 to f/5.6 are common. Lower f-numbers (e.g., f/1.8, f/2) will create a shallower depth of field, blurring the background.
* ISO: Keep your ISO as low as possible (usually 100) to minimize noise.
* Shutter Speed: Set your shutter speed to the flash sync speed of your camera (typically 1/200th or 1/250th of a second). This ensures that the flash properly illuminates the scene. If you go faster than your sync speed, you'll get a dark band across your image.
5. Tips for Success:
* Experiment: The best way to learn is to experiment with different positions, angles, and power settings.
* Pay Attention to Catchlights: Catchlights are the reflections of the light source in your subject's eyes. They add life and sparkle to portraits. Position the softbox to create pleasing catchlights.
* Use a Light Meter (Optional): A light meter can help you accurately measure the light output and achieve consistent exposure.
* Practice with a Mannequin or Stuffed Animal: Before working with a live model, practice your lighting techniques on a stationary subject. This will allow you to get comfortable with your equipment and understand how different settings affect the final image.
* Diffusion: If the light is still too harsh, you can add another layer of diffusion in front of the softbox (e.g., tracing paper or a thin white sheet).
* Inverse Square Law: Remember the inverse square law: the intensity of light decreases with the square of the distance. Moving the softbox twice as far away will reduce the light intensity to one-quarter of what it was.
Example Scenario:
Let's say you're shooting a headshot of a person indoors.
1. Equipment: You have a speedlight, a 20"x20" softbox, a light stand, a flash trigger, and a reflector.
2. Setup: Mount the flash on the speedlight bracket and attach the softbox. Place the light stand to the left of your subject at a 45-degree angle, aiming the softbox down towards them. Position the reflector opposite the softbox to bounce light back into the shadows.
3. Camera Settings: Set your camera to manual mode, aperture to f/4, ISO to 100, and shutter speed to 1/200th of a second.
4. Flash Power: Start with a low flash power setting (e.g., 1/32) and take a test shot. Adjust the power until you achieve the desired exposure.
5. Fine-Tuning: Adjust the position of the softbox and reflector to refine the shadows and highlights. Pay attention to the catchlights in your subject's eyes.
By following these steps, you can effectively use a small softbox to transform your portraits, creating soft, flattering light that enhances your subjects' features. Remember to practice and experiment to find the techniques that work best for you and your style.