Often used in fashion photography, the the softbox is used here on a stand.
Proper photographic lighting captures your subject accurately. Lighting can also enhance the beauty and artistry of a photo. Softboxes and light diffusers allow the photographer greater control over light sources. Often used to soften light, they play an important role in fashion and product photography. While similar and often employed in conjunction with one another, softboxes and light diffusers each have unique attributes.
Effect
See the catch light from two light sources in this subject's eyes.
Softboxes and light diffusers are used to soften light. They will both downplay harsh shadows or lines, ease the transition between shadow and light and wrap light around your subject. A softbox gives a more controlled light. It lights the primary subject while avoiding any spill light on secondary subjects or background. The softbox can also create interesting catch lights in the subject's eyes. The softbox size is generally matched to the size of the subject. A light diffuser spreads light in a less controlled fashion, does not create a distinctive catch light and can be whatever size is required to light the scene.
Structure
Softboxes come in different shapes, such as this octagonal soft box.
A softbox is generally a large box made of lightweight fabric. The front is covered with a panel of diffusing fabric. The remaining sides are usually black on the outside and shiny reflective silver on the inside. The sides of the box are held in place with lightweight poles. The box is set up on a light stand. It has a light or flash at the back, or opposite side, from the diffuser. Additionally, there is usually a second diffuser panel inside between the light source and the first diffuser panel. Softboxes come in a variety of shapes including square, round and octagonal.
A light diffuser is generally a piece of lightweight fabric with a loose mesh weave. It can be almost any size. Many things act as light diffusers. For example, clouds act as a diffuser scattering the sun's rays.
Usage
Light diffuser to soften sun's setting rays.
Softboxes are generally used in professional photo shoots. While not heavy, they are unwieldy and are generally not carried around for day to day shooting. Light diffusers come in an almost unlimited array of sizes, are easy to make and are often brought to location shoots.
Control
Move light source and subject closer to soften light.
Softboxes and light diffusers work by increasing the apparent size of the light source relative to the subject. It's as though you are lighting with a flood light instead of a spot light. Move the light source closer to the subject to soften any light. Conversely, sharpen the photographic lighting by moving the light source farther away from the subject or making the light smaller relative to the size of your subject.
Outside the Box
LED light panels light the White House press briefing room.
Spreading out photographic light has been made easier with the introduction of new light sources. LED light panels and even iPads can be used individually or wired together, relatively easily, to create a large light source. Many of the newest LED light panels even come with the ability to adjust their light output.
Tags: light source, light diffusers, soften light, light panels, light sources, your subject