1. Understanding the Benefits
* Softer Light: A softbox diffuses the flash's light, making it less harsh and creating softer shadows. This is particularly flattering for portraits, minimizing wrinkles and blemishes.
* More Even Illumination: The larger surface area of the softbox spreads the light more evenly across the subject's face, reducing hotspots and creating a more balanced exposure.
* Directional Control: While softer than direct flash, a softbox still provides a degree of directional control. You can position it to shape the light and create interesting shadows.
* Portable Solution: Small softboxes are relatively lightweight and portable, making them ideal for on-location shoots.
2. Choosing the Right Small Softbox
* Size Matters: A small softbox (typically 12-24 inches) offers a good balance between portability and light diffusion. Smaller than that and the difference from direct flash might be minimal. Larger than that and it might become unwieldy.
* Shape: You can find square, rectangular, and octagonal softboxes.
* Square/Rectangular: Good for general use and can create more defined catchlights (the reflections in the subject's eyes).
* Octagonal: Mimic the shape of a more natural light source and create rounder, more pleasing catchlights.
* Mounting Mechanism: Ensure the softbox is compatible with your flash. Some have universal mounts, while others are designed for specific flash models. Consider speed rings for more secure and versatile mounting.
* Quality of Materials: Look for a softbox made from durable materials with a reflective inner surface and a good-quality diffusion panel. The fabric should be light-tight.
3. Setting Up Your Equipment
1. Mount the Softbox: Attach the softbox to your flash, following the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure it's securely fastened.
2. Attach to a Light Stand (Optional but Recommended): Using a light stand allows you to position the light precisely and adjust the height. A swivel adapter will give you even more flexibility in angling the light.
3. Set Your Flash to Manual Mode: Start with manual mode on your flash. This gives you the most control over the power output. TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering can be used, but manual mode is generally preferred for consistency.
4. Camera Settings:
* ISO: Start with the lowest possible ISO (usually 100) to minimize noise.
* Aperture: Choose an aperture that gives you the desired depth of field. Wider apertures (e.g., f/2.8, f/4) will create a shallow depth of field, blurring the background. Narrower apertures (e.g., f/8, f/11) will keep more of the scene in focus.
* Shutter Speed: Sync your shutter speed with your flash sync speed. This is usually around 1/200th or 1/250th of a second, but check your camera's manual. Setting it higher will create dark bands in the image. Setting it lower will allow more ambient light.
4. Positioning the Softbox for Portrait Photography
* 45-Degree Angle: This is a classic starting point. Position the softbox about 45 degrees to the side and slightly above your subject's face. This creates a flattering shadow pattern on the opposite side of the face.
* Loop Lighting: Similar to 45 degrees, but with the light placed slightly higher. This creates a small loop-shaped shadow under the nose.
* Rembrandt Lighting: Position the light more to the side so that a triangle of light appears on the cheek opposite the light source. This is a dramatic and artistic lighting technique.
* Butterfly Lighting: Position the light directly in front of the subject, slightly above the camera. This creates a symmetrical shadow under the nose, resembling a butterfly. Be careful not to flatten the subject's features too much.
* Feathering the Light: Don't aim the softbox directly at your subject. Instead, angle it slightly away so that the *edge* of the light falls on the subject. This "feathering" technique creates even softer and more gradual transitions between light and shadow.
5. Controlling the Light Output
* Flash Power: Adjust the flash power to control the brightness of the light. Start with a low power setting (e.g., 1/16 or 1/32) and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired exposure.
* Distance to Subject: The closer the softbox is to your subject, the softer the light will be. Conversely, the further away it is, the harsher the light will become. Adjust the distance to fine-tune the softness and intensity of the light.
* Diffusion Panel: Make sure the diffusion panel is clean and properly attached. A damaged or dirty panel can affect the quality of the light.
6. Tips and Tricks
* Use a Reflector: Place a reflector on the opposite side of the softbox to bounce some light back onto the subject's face, filling in shadows and adding a touch of brightness. White, silver, and gold reflectors offer different effects. White provides a soft, neutral fill; silver is brighter and more specular; and gold adds warmth.
* Shoot in Manual Mode on Your Camera: For consistent results, set your camera to manual mode as well. Control your aperture, shutter speed, and ISO independently.
* Watch for Catchlights: Catchlights in the subject's eyes add life and sparkle to the portrait. Experiment with the softbox's position to achieve the desired catchlight.
* Experiment! Don't be afraid to experiment with different positions, power settings, and reflectors to find what works best for you and your subject. Take lots of test shots and analyze the results.
* Consider Ambient Light: Don't completely ignore the ambient light in the environment. Use it to your advantage by balancing it with the flash. You can control the ambient light by adjusting your shutter speed. Slower shutter speeds will let more ambient light into the shot, while faster shutter speeds will minimize it.
* Color Temperature: Ensure your flash's color temperature matches the ambient light. If they don't match, you may need to use gels on your flash to correct the color.
7. Post-Processing
* White Balance: Correct any white balance issues that may have occurred during the shoot.
* Exposure Adjustments: Fine-tune the exposure and contrast.
* Retouching: Subtle retouching can help to smooth skin, remove blemishes, and enhance the overall look of the portrait. Be careful not to over-retouch.
Example Scenario:
Let's say you're shooting a headshot indoors.
1. Equipment: You have a camera, a speedlight, a 16" square softbox, a light stand, and a white reflector.
2. Setup: Mount the softbox to your speedlight and attach it to the light stand. Place the light stand about 4 feet from your subject at a 45-degree angle, slightly above eye level. Position the reflector opposite the light source to fill in shadows.
3. Camera Settings: Set your camera to manual mode, ISO 100, aperture f/5.6, and shutter speed 1/200th of a second.
4. Flash Settings: Start with your flash on manual mode at 1/16 power. Take a test shot and adjust the power as needed until you achieve a good exposure.
5. Fine-Tuning: Adjust the position of the light and reflector to fine-tune the shadows and highlights. Watch for catchlights in the eyes.
6. Shoot! Capture a series of photos, paying attention to your subject's expression and posing.
By following these steps and experimenting with different techniques, you can use a small softbox with your flash to create beautiful, professional-looking portraits. Practice is key to mastering this technique!