1. Understanding the Benefits
* Softer Light: A softbox diffuses and spreads the harsh light from your flash, reducing harsh shadows and creating a more pleasing glow.
* Directional Control: Unlike bare flash, a softbox allows you to shape and direct the light, giving you more control over where highlights and shadows fall on your subject.
* Portability: Small softboxes are relatively easy to transport and set up, making them ideal for on-location shoots.
2. Gear You'll Need
* Flash (Speedlight): The light source. Make sure it's compatible with your camera.
* Small Softbox: Choose a size appropriate for your needs. Common sizes for speedlights range from 8x12 inches to 16x24 inches. The smaller the softbox, the harder the light; the larger, the softer.
* Mount/Adapter: You'll need a way to attach the softbox to your flash. Most softboxes come with a specific adapter designed for speedlights. These typically use velcro or a similar system.
* Light Stand (Optional, but highly recommended): To elevate and position the softbox independently of the camera.
* Triggering System (Optional):
* On-Camera Flash: The simplest option, but can be limiting in terms of placement.
* Off-Camera Trigger: Allows you to remotely trigger the flash, providing much greater flexibility in placement. Common triggers use radio frequencies (RF) or optical sensors.
* Batteries: Make sure you have fresh batteries for your flash and, if applicable, your triggers.
* Optional Modifiers: Reflectors, grids, and gels can further shape and color the light.
3. Setup
1. Attach the Softbox to Your Flash: Follow the instructions that came with your softbox. This usually involves sliding the flash head into the adapter and securing it.
2. Mount on Light Stand (if using): Attach the flash/softbox assembly to your light stand.
3. Positioning: This is crucial! Consider these options:
* 45-degree angle: Position the softbox at a 45-degree angle to your subject, slightly above eye level. This is a classic and flattering starting point.
* Directly in front: Can create a soft, even light, but can also be a bit flat.
* Side Lighting: Creates more dramatic shadows and highlights.
* Rembrandt Lighting: Position the softbox so that it creates a small triangle of light on the cheek opposite the light source.
4. Camera Settings:
* ISO: Start with a low ISO (e.g., 100 or 200) to minimize noise.
* Aperture: Choose an aperture that gives you the desired depth of field. Larger apertures (e.g., f/2.8, f/4) create a shallow depth of field, blurring the background. Smaller apertures (e.g., f/8, f/11) increase depth of field, keeping more of the image in focus.
* Shutter Speed: Set your shutter speed to the flash sync speed of your camera (typically around 1/200th of a second). Going faster than the sync speed will result in banding in your image. Using High-Speed Sync (HSS) on your flash and camera allows you to use faster shutter speeds but reduces flash power.
* White Balance: Set your white balance to "Flash" or "Strobe" for accurate colors. You can also experiment with other white balance settings for creative effects.
5. Flash Power:
* TTL (Through The Lens) Mode: Your camera automatically adjusts flash power. It's a good starting point, but can be inconsistent depending on the scene.
* Manual Mode: Allows you to directly control flash power. It requires more experimentation but provides more consistent results. Start with a low power setting (e.g., 1/64 or 1/32) and gradually increase it until you get the desired exposure. Use your camera's LCD and histogram to evaluate exposure.
4. Taking the Shot
1. Focus: Focus carefully on your subject's eyes.
2. Take a Test Shot: Review the image on your camera's LCD screen.
3. Adjust Flash Power/Position: If the image is too bright, reduce the flash power. If it's too dark, increase the flash power. Adjust the softbox's position to change the direction and intensity of the light. Pay attention to the shadows.
4. Reflector (Optional): Use a reflector to bounce light back into the shadows on the opposite side of the softbox. This helps to even out the lighting and reduce harshness. A white reflector creates a soft fill light, while a silver reflector provides a brighter, more specular light.
5. Fine-Tune: Continue to adjust your settings and the softbox's position until you achieve the desired lighting and exposure.
6. Capture: Take the shot!
Tips and Tricks
* Distance Matters: The closer the softbox is to your subject, the softer the light will be. Move the softbox closer or farther away to adjust the softness of the light. However, be mindful of minimum focusing distance.
* Feathering: Instead of pointing the softbox directly at your subject, try "feathering" the light by angling it slightly away. This can create a softer, more flattering light.
* Diffusers: Most softboxes come with an inner and outer diffuser. Experiment with removing the inner diffuser for a slightly harder light.
* Experiment with Angles: Don't be afraid to try different angles and positions. There is no single "correct" way to use a softbox.
* Practice: The more you practice, the better you'll become at predicting how the light will fall on your subject.
* Background Considerations: The distance between your subject and the background affects the amount of shadow that falls on the background. Moving the subject farther from the background reduces background shadows.
Example Scenarios
* Headshot: Softbox positioned at a 45-degree angle to the subject, slightly above eye level.
* Full-Length Portrait: Softbox positioned slightly farther away from the subject to cover the entire body. You may need to increase the flash power.
* Outdoor Portrait: Use the softbox as a fill light to reduce harsh shadows created by the sun.
Common Mistakes
* Using Too Much Flash Power: This can create a blown-out, unnatural look.
* Positioning the Softbox Too Far Away: This reduces the effectiveness of the softbox and creates harder light.
* Ignoring the Background: Make sure the background is not distracting or too brightly lit.
* Not Correcting White Balance: Incorrect white balance can result in unnatural skin tones.
By following these steps and experimenting with different techniques, you can use a small softbox with your flash to create beautiful and flattering portraits. Good luck!