The difference between a softbox and an umbrella is the light-controlling capability. A softbox produces controlled and even light for precise highlighting, which is ideal for product photography, portrait photography, etc. An umbrella produces extended soft light, which is a perfect lighting tool for group shots, outdoor photography, or fast, flexible lighting.
What you’ll learn in this article
- 1 What is Softbox?
- 2 What are the Different Types of Softbox Lighting?
- 3 How Do You Set Up Softboxes?
- 4 What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Softbox?
- 5 What is Umbrella Lighting?
- 6 What are the Different Types of Umbrella Lighting?
- 7 How to Use Umbrella Flash?
- 8 What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Photography Umbrella?
- 9 Which is Better, Softbox vs Umbrella Lighting for Product Photography?
- 10 Is Soft Light Better for Portraits?
- 11 FAQ’s
What is Softbox?
Softbox is a type of lighting modifier used for balanced lighting in a studio photography setup. As an essential photography equipment, a softbox changes, controls, and manipulates the diffusion and softness of the exposed light. Use of a softbox creates diffused and muted illumination, soft shadows, and even or flattening ambience.
Professional photographers use softboxes during shooting to create diffused and even light, control light direction, enhance lighting versatility, produce soft shadows, and ensure professional or creative looks in photography.
Why Do Photographers Use a Softbox?
Photographers use a softbox to precisely control light direction for consistent and desired ambience and color in the photographs, from camera settings to client delivery. These enhance subjects’ textures and details by softening shadows without losing definition. Systematic use of softboxes creates balanced blends of lighting, creating professional shots for e-commerce product listings, ad campaigns, industrial catalog shoots, and high-volume studio productions.
Other reasons why photographers use softboxes are as follows.
- To shape lighting conditions, aligning brands’ photos
- To create clean and market-ready visuals
- To enhance micro-details, textures, designs, and materials
- To highlight a cinematic or creative look in photos
- To control harsh shadow reflection and lighting direction
Which Softbox Size is Best?
The best size for a softbox is 18-24-inch softboxes suit smaller areas, 30 to 36-inch softboxes cover portraits, and 42-inch or bigger softboxes cover full-body shots or large objects during a photoshoot. The best softbox is the one that looks large from the subject’s perspective, instead of being physically big. A large softbox close to the subject creates soft shadows, but a small or distant one produces harsh and high-contrast light.
Can you put a Flash in a Softbox?
Yes, you can put a flash inside a softbox. This action will produce a large and soft light source. Placing it on the softbox will evenly spread out the light. It will improve the softness of shadows. Use a light stand during on-location shoots for precision in lighting placement.
How Far Should a Softbox be from the Subject?
The distance between a softbox and the subject depends on the softbox size and the softness level. A rule of thumb is to use the softbox’s width as a measurement to place the subject. If the softbox is 24 inches, place it about 24 inches away from the subject to produce even and soft shadows.
What is the Difference Between a Softbox and an Octabox?
The difference between a softbox and an octabox is their shape, which contributes to the lighting quality. The softbox comes in a square or rectangular shape to offer control and window-like illumination in photos. Meanwhile, an octabox has an octagonal design, which produces round lighting that is soft, more wraparound.
Other differences between softboxes and octaboxes are as follows.
Table: Softbox vs Octabox
| Parameters | Softbox | Octabox |
|---|---|---|
| Catchlights | Square or rectangular reflection | Natural, round catchlights |
| Light Spreading | Directional light | Broader and wraparound light |
| Illumination Level | Creates precise light shaping | Produces soft, even coverage |
| Space | Fits a tight or compact studio setup | Requires more room due to wider spread |
| Usecases | Product photography, headshot photography, etc | Beauty photograph, fashion photography, portrait photography, etc |
What are the Different Types of Softbox Lighting?
There are 7 types of softboxes popular in commercial photography, those are the rectangle softbox, octabox, lantern, stripbox, studio softbox, tubular softbox, and boom softbox.
- Rectangle Softbox: A square-shaped softbox, most used and popular for producing natural soft light. It is used in all types of photography, from headshots to product setups.
- Octabox: An octagon-shaped softbox delivers even and wraparound light. It is best for product photography, fashion photography, food photography, and creative photography.
- Lantern Softbox: A globe-shaped softbox that produces soft, omnidirectional light. It is best for fashion and product photoshoots.
- Strip Box: A long, narrow softbox creates controlled and smooth edge shadows. It is suitable for shooting for packshot product photos.
- Studio Softbox: A large-sized professional-grade softbox used for precise, controlled, and consistent lighting in complex photography setups.
- Tubular Softbox: A cylindrical softbox evenly wraps light around products. It is best for taking 360° product shots and packshot photography.
- Boom Softbox: A softbox mounted on an overhead boom arm produces shadow-free, even light. It is best for taking flat lay photography.
How Do You Set Up Softboxes?
The step-by-step guide to setting up softboxes is as follows.
Step 1: Assemble the softbox and attach the rods to the light. Add a diffusion panel to soften the illumination.
Step 2: Mount it on a stand to secure a position. Then place it closer to the subject.
Step 3: Change the angle to reduce glare and highlight textures.
Step 4: Take sample shots. Fine-tune power, angle, and distance for the desired output.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Softbox?
The advantages of a soft box include versatility of use, engaging soft light quality, controlling light direction, reducing harsh shadow reflection, and creating natural and diffused light. The disadvantages of softboxes include being pricey, bulky, taking a long time to set up, and having maintenance issues.
Softbox: Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|
| Expensive, Heavy size, Long setup time, Maintenance issues | Expensive, Heavy size Long setup time, Maintenance issues |
What is Umbrella Lighting?
Umbrella lighting is a photography equipment that modifies light and produces soft and diffused light to shoot a subject. It uses a reflective umbrella to spread soft and diffused lighting. Inside the umbrella, you can place any light, which bounces and creates a natural glow.
Professional photographers use umbrella lighting to reduce harsh shadows, illuminating a wide coverage, being affordable, lightweight, and easy to set up.
Why Do Photographers Use an Umbrella?
Photographers use an umbrella in photography for their versatility for any photography style and adaptability in various lighting conditions. Unlike softboxes, umbrellas are adjustable for precise lighting, allowing photographers freedom to quickly change as needed and shape the lighting by freely moving, tilting, or rotating them.
Other reasons why photographers use umbrellas are as follows.
- To adjust and control light placement and direction
- To create soft, broad, and evenly diffused lighting for any photography style
- To create balanced light by filling shadows in multi-light photography setups
- To carry for outdoor shooting as they are easy to use, lightweight, and portable
- To save cost, as they are cost-effective lighting options
Can I Use an Umbrella for Product Photography with a Speedlight?
Yes, you can use an umbrella for product photography with a speedlight, it will result in beautiful, soft, and even lighting. If the umbrella is shoot-through, it will reduce harsh shadow and diffuse light. If the umbrella is reflective, it will bounce light for maximum coverage.
How Does an Umbrella for Product Photography Affect Shadows?
An umbrella for product photography affects shadows by softening the light and uniformly spreading it. The type of umbrella makes some difference, for example, reflective umbrellas spread the light and shoot-through umbrellas create diffused and soft shadow. They minimize dark areas, creating a flattering and evenly lit setup for professional product photographs.
What is the Difference Between Black and White Umbrella Lighting?
The difference between black and white umbrella lighting is their lighting control capability, which impacts the softness or harshness. The black umbrella is reflective and bounces light to create contrast and directional light. A white umbrella is shoot-through, and diffuses light to create soft illumination.
Other differences between black and white umbrella lighting are as follows.
Table: Black Umbrella vs White Umbrella
| Parameters | Black Umbrella | White Umbrella |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Reflective | Shoot-through |
| Contrast | Higher contrast and defined shadow | Software shadows with soft transitions |
| Placement of Subjects | Distant | Close |
| Background | Dark background for dramatic output | Bright background for an ambient environment |
| Usecases | Shooting product, portrait, fashion, etc | Shooting group shots |
What is the Difference Between a Translucent Umbrella and a Reflective Umbrella?
The difference between a translucent and a reflective umbrella is the light direction impacting the diffusion. The translucent umbrella softens and spreads light through the fabric. The reflective umbrella reflects the light for focused and strong illumination.
Other differences between translucent and reflective umbrellas are as follows.
Table: Translucent Umbrella vs Reflective Umbrella
| Parameters | Translucent Umbrella | Reflective Umbrella |
|---|---|---|
| Light Direction | Light passes and scatters in all directions | Light bounces back to the subject |
| Softness | Creates soft and even light | Produces a bit hard light |
| Background | Brightens the background | Darken the background |
| Portability | Usable in tight spaces | Effective in spacious areas |
What are the Different Types of Umbrella Lighting?
There are 4 types of umbrella lighting used in photography lighting: parabolic, shoot-through, reflective, and umbrella softbox. Umbrella produces soft quality light to flatten the subject.
- Shoot-Through Umbrella: A white see-through umbrella softens and evenly spreads light. It reduces shadow harshness and is mostly suited for studio or indoor photography and product photoshoots.
- Parabolic Umbrella: A deep and round umbrella directs light into a focused beam. It creates bright and natural-looking highlights and sharp detail. Parabolic is best for portrait photography or fashion photography.
- Reflective Umbrella: A silver or white-lined umbrella reflects light back onto the subject. It generates wide and controlled light. Reflective umbrellas are best for group photography, packshot photography, and event photography.
- Umbrella Softbox: A quick-setup umbrella with a built-in diffuser. It works similarly to a softbox, producing smooth, even light, which is mostly used in still life photos or portraits.
How to Use Umbrella Flash?
Here is a step-by-step guide to using an umbrella flash.
Step 1: Mount the umbrella flash on a stand for steady and secure standing.
Step 2: Attach a convenient artificial light source to the umbrella bracket or hot-shoe adapter.
Step 3: Place the umbrella. If the umbrella is shoot-through, place it between the flash and the subject. Then point the flash into it for control and soften the light. If the umbrella is reflective, put it 3–6 feet away from the subject, with an angle for catchlights. Move closer gradually to soften shadows.
Step 4: Take some test shots, properly adjust power, and angle to achieve the right exposure.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Photography Umbrella?
The advantages of a photography umbrella are easy and fast setup, affordable price, compatibility with most lights, compact, lightweight, portable, and available in versatile lighting options. The disadvantages of umbrellas include limited control over light, producing uneven highlights, being less suitable for outdoor shooting, and not allowing much shaping of the beam.
Umbrella Light: Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Easy and fast setup, Affordable price, Compatible with most lights, Compact, lightweight, and portable, Available in versatile lighting options. | Easy and fast setup, Affordable price, Compatible with most lights,Compact, lightweight, and portable, Available in versatile lighting options. |
Which is Better, Softbox vs Umbrella Lighting for Product Photography?
A softbox is better than an umbrella for precise control, consistent color, and minimal light spill, which is needed for e-commerce photography. An umbrella is better than a softbox during quick or broad setups and provides diffused light, which is ideal for outdoor or lifestyle product photoshoots.
Other differences between a Softbox and an Umbrella for product photography are as follows.
Table: Softbox vs Umbrella
| Parameters | Softbox | Umbrella |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Directional and easy to shape | Widely spread, less controllable |
| Shadow | Creates soft shadows with defined edges | Produces soft but scattered shadows |
| Color Delivery | Accurate and consistent alignment with products | Prone to color shifts |
| Modifier Acceptance | Grids, gels, and barn doors for control | Fewer spill-control tools |
| Catchlight | Rectangle or octagonal | Round and natural |
| Setup | Requires time for assembling and mounting | Fast and quick |
| Space | Usable in a tight space | Requires broad areas |
| Usecases | E-commerce photography, catalog images,etc. | Lifestyle setting, large objects, etc. |
Is Soft Light Better for Portraits?
Yes, soft light is better for a portrait because soft light displays even skin tones and highlights facial features. It also controls the harshness of shadows and increases light warmth. So the person in frame appears approachable, natural, and professional.
What is the Best Softbox vs Umbrella Lighting for Portraits?
The best between softbox and umbrella lighting for portrait photography is determined based on the purpose and use cases of photography. Softbox is the best lighting equipment for studio photography with a controlled environment, precise shaping, and consistent output. An umbrella is the best lighting equipment when you are shooting outdoor photography, as an umbrella offers flexibility for quick and soft coverage.
FAQ’s
How do you choose the right size umbrella for product photography?
To choose the right size umbrella for product photography, pick a large size one that covers the product you are shooting. Choose 18-24-inch softboxes to suit smaller areas, 30 to 36-inch softboxes to cover portraits, and 42-inch or bigger softboxes to cover full-body shots or large objects. Place it closer to the subject so that a soft shadow appears, balancing the light.
Can you use an umbrella for product photography outdoors?
Yes, you can use an umbrella for product photography outdoors because of its flexibility to use, lightweight, and portability. It either diffuses harshness or increases the softness of light. Posing it by using clamps, sandbags, or stands and adjusting angles to avoid shadows or reflections.
What accessories do you need along with an umbrella for photography?
The accessories you need, along with an umbrella for photography, include a light stand or boom arm, brackets, speedlights/stobes, diffusers or grids, clamps, or weights for stability. This equipment ensures the lighting source stays in place steadily and illuminates evenly.
Can a softbox be a key light?
Yes, a softbox can be a key light, as they produce soft and directional light. As a result, it shapes shadows and highlights so that the subject remains well-lit and consistent to create a professional photoshoot.
Do LED bulbs work in a softbox?
Yes, LED bulbs work in a softbox. Choose continuous LED lights; they fit inside softboxes and create consistent lighting throughout the photoshoot. The benefits of using LED bulbs are that they are energy-efficient and convenient for use in product photography, portrait photography, and even videography.
What is the best shape for a softbox?
The best shape for softboxes is the rectangular ones, alongside the octagonal softbox (octabox) and the strip softbox. Rectangular softboxes illuminate like window light so that you can create natural-looking photos. Octaboxes also create round catchlights, which are better suited for glamorous shooting, such as fashion and beauty. Stripe produces narrow highlights, usable for a product photoshoot.
Do you need a reflector with a softbox?
You need a reflector with a softbox when the light is distant and creating harshness. Reflectors fill the gap by filling the shadow. Use of reflectors adds dimension to the photo. However, you don’t need to use a reflector if the softbox is placed close to the product and the lighting is even and soft.
Can you use a soft box with natural light?
Yes, you can use a softbox with natural light. It blends with the natural light and controls the illumination intensity, covers the shadows, and makes the light consistent enough for professional photography. Such lighting is convenient both for indoor shooting and mixed-light environments.
Why to use a honeycomb?
The reasons for using honeycomb grids are that they control light, and softboxes make directional light. By using honeycombs, you can prevent unnecessary illumination pops in the photography background. The subject in frame remains focused within the soft light setup.
Are umbrellas safe to use in lighting?
Yes, umbrellas are safe to use in lighting as long as you include speedlights or strobes with stable mounting. Avoid using bulbs that exceed the umbrella-specified wattage limit.
Is it better to have a light or dark umbrella?
Whether a light or dark umbrella is better to have depends on the photography purposes. If you want to create soft and diffused light, use white or shoot-through umbrellas. If you want to control the photography lighting, level of contrast, and create focused lights, choose black, silver, or gold lining reflective umbrellas.
Is an umbrella for photography good for portrait shoots?
An umbrella for photography is definitely good for portrait shoots because it creates soft, flattering radiance and gentle highlights. Also, they reduce shadow harshness. Altogether, they are effective for shooting individual or group portrait photos.
Umbrella or softbox, which one to choose for a group photo?
Choose an umbrella to shoot a small group of people, as it creates a controlled and directional light. Use an umbrella when shooting a large group of people or during outdoor shooting. They are better for offering flexibility and covering a large area to shoot.
