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LumiQuest Softbox III – review
27th March 2011
Add Soft Lighting to your off-camera flash
The modern day external flash unit is a vital accessory for indoor portraits, still life, food shots and more.
Light that originates from a small source such as an external flash unit is harsher than light that originates from a larger source. To “soften” the lighting especially for portraits, photographers often use “modifiers” to alter the lighting to something more pleasing. Most of the modifiers work by spreading the light out over a larger area.
LumiQuest has been a well-known maker of modifiers for many years. Among their bestsellers is the Softbox III. When I was attending the WPPI Expo, Heidi one of LumiQuest’s principals gave me a quick demonstration of this lightweight device. I was so impressed that I ordered one when I returned home.
The concentrated light from the flash bounces inside the reflector of the Softbox III and passes through the translucent material covering its face. Instead of harsh light originating from the small flash head, a softer light originates from a much larger reflector.
Follow along as I show you how I’ve used the Softbox III to improve the lighting on some of my recent portraits.
Notice that the Softbox III reduces the intensity of the shadows. You’ll also see a substantial reduction in contrast. And another by-product is the larger size of the catchlights in the eyes.
Judging from the above result, I’ve found that the Softbox III an effective way to improve external flash portraits. It’s affordable at less than $40 and very convenient for using just about anywhere.
For more information about the Softbox III or any of their similar modifiers visit LumiQuest.
Please note that Stay Focused has no connection to LumiQuest.
Written by Arnie Lee