httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDv42NWezic
Sometimes it's easier just to show you a product that I use rather than write paragraphs about it. Today is one of those times. I started using the Westcott Shallow Softboxes earlier this year during a workshop that I taught in Texas. I've been enjoying not only the new shallow boxes, but also the size of the new "large" one.
Advantages of a shallow softbox
You probably wouldn't use one with a strobe because more than likely you'd create a big hot spot having the strobe that much closer to your subject. However, with the Spiderlite TD6 (or TD5), you don't have to to worry about. By having a shallow softbox you can you can get it into to places that normally wouldn't accomodate a deeper one. I have a nice red wall in the hallway of my studio and it's really tight trying to shoot there with my other softboxes. However, with the new shallow ones from Westcott, it's much easier.
The new LARGE one is also ideal for those times when you're doing a portrait of more than one person or you're shooting a larger product such as a motorcycle.
Here's what I used in the video above:
If you're looking for a kit, I'd go with this one.
The shots were taken with my Nikon D700 and 70-200mm VRII lens.
ISO 200, f/4 to f/4.5 at 1/50th sec.
Good info on the softbox, but …
You really need to install some phonoabsorbant panels in the studio (just like the ones in recording studios 6cm thick should do the trick), or just mount them on big cardboard V-flats and install them off-camera during the presentations. They are dark-gray and can be also used to absorb light if needed. The current reverb is a killer (by my standards anyway). 🙂
You’re absolutely right, it was first thing that came to my mind, echo is terrible. Could you share any link to phonoabsorbant panels?
Yes the acoustics in that area are a problem. I’ll look into some panels. Thanks!
Great looking studio. Even better looking model 🙂
Big fan of the TD5’s love em. Do the TD6’s offer more lumens?
Hey, why didn’t you use Audition to clean that audio a bit. 😉
Yes they offer more output and like a out of focus photo, there isn’t much that can be cleaned up in post with an echo 😉 Easy to add one, but not so much to remove one.
Hi Terry – I had a question – when you were shooting the model with that big softbox, I assume there is some shadow on the parts of her face when she is facing you – I never shot in such a situation so did or would you use a reflector for the opposite side or would/did you position another light somewhere or did you just rely on the light bouncing off the far walls or I guess the other possibility is there was no need for reflection or light source on the opposing side of your light source.
Is it a question of judgment as to how the light is already or are there any rules for placing more than one light/reflector in a shot like that. I guess you can tell from my question I have never done a shot like this before but I was curious for purposes of figuring out just what I would need equipment wise – thanks, Tomas.
Mr. White,
You have great tips and techs that you share. I was really looking forward to the current video posted but the sound is muted for some reason.
Oh and by the way….that model is gorgeous.
Thank you very much for taking the time to provide and share with all of us your tips and techs.
Best Regards,
Q.
DigiPad Creative
302-797-8299
creative@digipadcreative.com
digipadcreative.com
Thanks, just tried it and it’s playing the audio fine. Not sure why it’s muted for you. You can also see it on my YouTube channel (button at the top fo the blog).
Hi Terry, thanks for posting the video. I love seeing how stuff is used.
My question has to do with the bulbs that were used in the TD6—I assume they were fluorescent bulbs—what was their wattage? Considering the size of that 72×54″ softbox, I imagine the bulbs would need to be pretty strong to adequately fill a box that size with good light—but that also makes me wonder about whether there were any issues with a hot spot in the center, especially considering the softbox is shallow as well? Hope these aren’t dumb questions—I’m a newbie and trying to learn. 🙂 Thanks!
Thanks for sharing. Maybe you would be so kind to post images for visual review?