Fashion Photography Lighting: Soft Boxes!

Because soft lighting is the preference during fashion photography, rather than stark hard over-head lighting, photographic soft boxes are generally a staple in most photographers’ studios. The soft box not only affects the model, but the photographic backdrop as well.

Photo : Krazy Kev Cool

Step One:

Light that is considered soft is diffused, and is more flattering. When light doesn’t travel in the same direction, it is softer. However, direct light is harder. Think of what it’s like on a cloudy day, where the light is softer because the sun’s rays are shining through the clouds. However, when the day is sunny, the light is stark and hard.

Step Two:

Creating soft light lamps is simple. Shine light through material in order to create diffusion. Materials include seamless paper,  muslins, and silks.  Choose materials that will not sacrifice light intensity when diffusing.

To add the material to diffuse your lights, you can attach the fabric right to the light. This isn’t recommended, though, because it could catch fire. Another option is to build a frame, attach the material to it, and shine the light through. Using a photographic soft box, though, is the easiest option.

Step Three:

Soft boxes a specifically designed to create and diffuse soft light. These attach directly to lamps, and aren’t fire hazards. Even though they’re referred to as boxes, they actually aren’t boxes at all. The soft box is constructed from a ring, four sticks, a black box, and diffusion material.

The outside of the soft box is black, that way bouncing light isn’t an issue. Inside the soft box is reflective material used for maximum light creation out of the box from the bulb. The spread of light is further maximized through use of a design where the box widens at the end where diffusion occurs.

Step Four:

If you’re in need of a soft box for one day’s work, you can construct one easily. Purchase a large piece of foam that is black on one side and white on the other, black tape, a light stand, and material. Cut the foam into four pieces, each equal in size, and tape them together so the white is on the inside. Tape the material the front of the box, and mount it to a stand. Place your box in front of the light.