Best Studio Light Modifier: Softbox, Umbrella or Beauty Dish? Portrait Lighting Tutorial
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ส.ค. 2024
- It is important to understand what a light modifier is and how it will impact your portrait lighting or headshot photography. Umbrellas, softboxes, brolly boxes and beauty dishes are all important lighting tools for photographers.
In this portrait lighting tutorial I am going to break down the differences in studio light modifiers, using gear from LumoPro, Wescott, Photoflex, Adorama and more. I will discuss umbrellas, brolly boxes, softboxes and beauty dishes to help you understand HOW and WHY to pick the right one. I am also going to show you the different kind of light they each produce. Be sure to stay tuned until the end and I will teach you a cool little trick for testing catchlights before you shoot.
The primary goal of ALL of these modifiers is to broaden the light source so that you don’t get the harsh shadows that are created by direct flash. Remember that in general - the bigger the light source, the softer the light. The lessons you will learn here work for speedlites and monolights.
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO
- CowboyStudio 43in White Black Reflector Photo Studio Brolly Box: amzn.to/29YWCOT
- LumoPro Double Flash Bracket Speed Ring: amzn.to/29Xiooa
- LumoPro LP180R Flash: amzn.to/2azlrTB
- Flashpoint 320M 150 Watt AC/DC Monolight Strobe: amzn.to/29YW9MJ
- Neewer 33”Black & White Reflective Lighting Umbrella: amzn.to/29YWVsT
- LumoPro LP735 3-in-1 43” Compact Umbrella: amzn.to/29YW9Mw ** My favorite
- Westcott 43-Inch Optical White Satin Collapsible Umbrella: amzn.to/2acNf17
- Glow 60” White Parabolic Umbrella with Removable Silver/Black Layer: amzn.to/29YWv68
- LumoPro 10ft Air Cushioned Light Stand: amzn.to/29Slhou
- CowboyStudio 43in White Black Reflector Photo Studio Brolly Box: amzn.to/29R0bro
- Photoflex Litedome Platinum, Medium 24” x 32" Softbox: amzn.to/29Ska8o
- Small LiteDome Q39 Softbox 12”X 16": amzn.to/2azn3wz
- 22” Glow White Beauty dish: amzn.to/29SkvIk
- Black Glass Marbles: amzn.to/29XDKpq
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The trick with the marble is soooo cool Joe. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it Robert Mullan! I appreciate the comment!
I like your style and videos, straight to the point. Best video of showing how modifiers work without putting the viewer to sleep.
Thanks Stephen Cutajar and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Hi Joe it is so refreshing to have someone that is down to earth about light modifiers. As most so called professional photographers try and convince us that the well over priced parabolic reflectors are the way to go. I like many other photographers use the normal softboxes and umbrellas with great effect as you have said in this video you do not need to spend large amounts of money to achieve the same effect. I look forward to all of your videos.
I just bought my first strobe and light modifiers and I am so happy I found your channel. You give great info and advice and make it all seem so simple! I can't wait to practice with your techniques. Thanks Joe!
Joe, I often come back to your videos and watch them over and over again. I like your refined approach (cutting the fat) and providing a clear and proven knowledge, style, and techniques in all of your video. I also appreciate you have the budget minded photographers in mind and such approach is humbling; gears are important, but experience through practice and dedication can't be substituted. Keep up the good work Joe!
I stumbled upon your channel today and I have to say, I can't believe I have gone this long without your tutorials! You are well spoken and easy to understand. You also don't waste a ton of time getting into the videos and describing what you have listed in your description. You have earned a fan. Thank you for your help
Great overall summary of modifiets. Joe, I love your tutorials...so much fun. I had a teacher that would say that light doesn't know or care if it is coming out of a $5K light or an inexpensive Buff one. Light is light. I photograph dogs and animals, so sturdy and widespread is my goal as they tend to move around a lot. Lately I've been doing more work outside and nothing beats just a plain cheap umbrella for speed of setup. Just have to be careful with lots of sandbags as they tend to be like sails in the wind. LOL
You just answered questions that I had and questions I didn't KNOW I had! Thank you SO much for making this video. 😘
Excellent run through of light diffusers - probably one of the best I've seen on TH-cam - and a great tip at the end. I really look forward to seeing your videos on Saturday mornings here in Sydney.
You're helping a lot of people Joe. Thank you very much for these videos. Incredibly well done.
Thanks Tom Kaszuba and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
This was incredibly helpful! I am overwhelmed with all the different choices of light modifiers available, and you have helped me make a better choice for my needs. You're the man 😃
😎 Glad it helped beautyandthefoodie.com! THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Thank you for your complete instruction. Very much appreciated. I am a beginner, so this is very helpful.
Best Video To This Theme I Have Ever Seen! Thank you so much!!!
Hands down you are in my opinion the “BEST” portrait photographer !
Cool and useful video Joe!
I've got to agree with John, you're making some of the best photography tutorials out there Joe. Thanks for all the hard work, and thought that goes into making them. It's really appreciated.
I sincerely appreciate the kind words Randell John! Glad to have you along for the ride!
Love hearing that tagline at the end of every video!
The marble trick!!!!! Genius!!!!!!!! Portraits are all about catchlights in my opinion (mainly because watching them is an easy way to tell if your lights are in the ballpark).
And to think, if Tim Berners-Lee hadn’t invented the World Wide Web you wouldn’t be able to share it and I would never have learned it. Thanks Joe and Tim-nice teamwork.
LOL Chet Arthur ! Glad you found it useful. Thank you so much for the kind words and comment!
Simple yet effective tutorial!
Thanks for making this video! I find it way easier to understand than reading a blog post or an article.
I just spent over an hour watching your useful and easy understand tutorials! Thank you for the great tips and knowledge.
You're very welcome Skye Chang! But... only an hour? You have more videos to watch! 😎😎😎
One of The most complete and easy to understand guide about lights modifier. Thanks
Thank you for the kind words Luca Pischedda ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Joe you're a legend. Without doubt one of the most insightful photographers out there on You Tube. Thank you!
Thanks George Doumani and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Simple and informative. Another excellent video!
The marble tip is great!
always love watching your videos. thank you for keeping it real too. too many people out there fall for the latest and greatest gizmo. its nice to hear someone of your caliber saying sometimes a cowboy studio umbrella can do the job for $21.
Your annotated examples were extremely useful. Thanks!
Thank you for the kind words Xavion Turey ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Thanks Joe, big help. thumbs up...
Thanks a lot, Joe!
Very helpful and informative. Love it!
You're welcome One-Two I appreciate the comment!
Well spoken Joe!
Joe! You are my Hero! This was sooooooo very helpful! Thanks sooooo much!
Thank you for the kind words Crosby Shaterian ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
This video must be a greatest tutorial for the beginner who is new to flash modifier selection
Joe, you are amazing at getting to the point and you make your videos easy to follow!
Thanks for the feedback hom296! I really appreciate the kind words!
You are a smart cookie Joe...thanks for sharing all the great info!
You're very welcome RetroCameraCool! Thank you so much for the kind words!
Thanks for all the information. Also, your delivery is great.
Thank you Philip Cunio! I really appreciate the kind words!
Thank you! Very encouraging too.
Subscribed just because of that fact that I can watch your videos at 1.5x and still understand all your saying. Considering your content is already straigh to the point and therefore short... With the speedboost I'm devouring content.
This is what taking about and you have helped me make a better choice for my needs.thx you so much Mr Joe ....
Glad you enjoyed it Chijioke Ezeh! I appreciate the comment!
Just loved the marble trick. Thank you so much!
You're very welcome Eduardo Araki! I am glad you enjoyed it!
Another smash, great video Joe!!
Thank you for the kind words Ron Yu ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
I saved this as a point of reference for later.
Thanks for uploading
Awesome shadyninja1! Thanks for commenting!
Exactly what I was looking for.
Thanks Joe! I love your videos
Glad you enjoyed it Cory Lee! I appreciate the comment!
Awesome tips! Thanks, Joe!
Glad you enjoyed it Alexandre Lima! I appreciate the comment!
A very complete video on the subject. Now I understand the catchlight thing. Thx
You're very welcome Craig Ruchman! I am glad you enjoyed it!
I really liked the tip using a marble to see how the catch light will look.
Thank you for the kind words Alexander Ollison ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Thanks. The helped me understand this stuff A LOT! Excellent presentation.
You're very welcome - -! I am glad you enjoyed it!
Great video !!! Thanks !
This is the Illumination Tutorial I was looking for! Very precise,practical and clear.You won a new subscriber! Best Regards from Argentina!
Thanks Ausoldi and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Your channel is a whole course. Nice work.
Thank you 4CardsMan! I really appreciate the kind words!
Once again another great video.
Thanks BRIAN O. HINES and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Just started into the adventure of Professional use of lighting; Thank you for a excellent tutorial. Truly enjoyable and informative. (thank for the product links too)
Glad you enjoyed it john bivins! I appreciate the comment! I will look forward to your results with your lights
Super Joe. Well done!
Thank you Fergus Cooper! Glad you enjoyed it!
Most useful video on YT about this particular subject (from a seasoned photog). Thanks a lot Joe!
You're very welcome maxmouche! Thank you so much for the kind words!
I LOVE this channel. Thank you Joe. Greetings from Mexico City.
Thank you Coolbuddy X! I really appreciate the kind words!
Very informative!! Thanks Joe
Glad you enjoyed it Allday_wit_it_motovlog! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any videos!!
awesome video joe! amazing information like always! I love the simplicity of your videos.
I agree with you, you dont need to spent a lot of money to handle light, if you understand it!
Thank you so much for the kind words carlos arce narvaez and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Great explanation and tips. Thank you!
You're very welcome Diego Terzano! I am glad you enjoyed it!
Great video! Thanks for the very useful info:)
Glad you enjoyed it Christiana Landau! I appreciate the comment!
Great video !! Thank you for everything
Thank you for the kind words WATCH CORN | Motion Graphics ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Brilliant channel Joe , thanks :)
Thanks Ómar Smith and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Another great vid, Joe! I'd love to see a follow up with snoots and the more directional light modifiers.
Be well and keep up the great vids!
Stay tuned Dennis Ruzeski ! They are coming after I get through the speedlight videos.
Love your stuff Joe. Best on youtube.
Thank you for the very kind words John Koster and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
that was amazing.. that marble trick was really brilliant joe.
Thank you for the kind words vishwas mp ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Thnx Joe for your videos. Appreciate your explanations very much !! Shabat Shalom
Thank you for the kind words Nissan Bakish !
Another useful video. Thank you.
Thanks for commenting MasonDixonPhoto!
Thanks for the tutorial sir
LOL, are you awsome. I love your way to share! I think that this video is great and essential for beginners (and entusiastic) photographer like me. Thanks, added to my "very favorite list" and off course, shared! Greetings from Argentina (we are in winter now...)
Thank you so much for the kind words Gustavo Tobares and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Very useful. I've passed this around to some friends who are just starting out.
Thank you for the kind words Madhu Menon and thanks so much for sharing ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Excellent presentation - you put other channels to shame. Thanks for the wealth of information :)
great vid.as far as I noticed just few ppl (tutorials, vids) mentioned about catchlights. you did it well, cool tip. thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Glad you enjoyed it spokolokofly! I appreciate the comment!
lots of great info here. I wish that I could see the photos side by side to compare but I learned a ton. thanks...I guess I will have to read the book I bought from you :)
Can't wait for USA to swap to metric system.
As always, many thanks for the time and effort on making these videos; they are very helpful.
Great video. I don't think this topic gets talked about enough. It took me a while before I narrowed down my favorites. For example, I like silver reflective umbrellas, but I don't like shoot through umbrellas as they usually show the umbrella's ribs in the catch lights.
U're a good man... Thank You for your kindness....,
Glad you enjoyed it Andy JS! Thanks for the kind words!
Great video. Thank you very much.
Thank you for the kind words computerjantje ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
thank for your video, good, very good !!!!
Great info. Another awesome video, as always 😉
Thank you! Virtual Warp Glad you enjoyed it!
@@theJoeEdelman
No, thank you. You're an amazing teacher with great enthusiasm for your craft. The things I've learned by simply watching a few of your videos baffles me. Please, never stop educating others. You make us believe we can actually successfully become what we aspire to be.
Great video. Very helpful. I love your channel.
The only thing is missing for me here is a side by side comparison of the end results of each modifier so we could see the differences and similarities of these modifiers on the model. Besides that, perfect.
Thanks for the kind words and suggestion Ben Harosh and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Great video 👍
Love the marble tip :-)
Glad you enjoyed it KimByrne07! I appreciate the comment!
Great video sir learned a lot.
Thank you for the kind words Manash Protim ! Glad to have you as a subscriber!
Thanks for this video Joe. I like that you are not pushing expensive modifiers. I am getting a collapsible beauty dish very soon and look forward to having fun with it! I think it cost me $50 US.
You're welcome Paul Langereis I appreciate the comment!
The few things I have learnt in my not nearly anywhere as long time as you have been doing this. Catchlights = personal preference like you say, I love: Octabox, Beauty Dish and Verticals.
Mistake I made was buying the cheaper soft boxes that don't collapse. Such a mission to transport them, you either need to spend an hour (not really but feels like it) to break down and set up, or you need to buy a bigger car to be able to transport them already set up. Because I find myself going to locations more and more lately, for corporate headshots etc. And wanting the catchlights I want means I need the softboxes not umbrellas.
But I do have 3 x shoot thru umbrellas and a silver and gold reflective as well.
Thanks Joe 📸📸📸📸🍻
Thank you 01keepurheadup ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Good Info! Thx!
Thank you for the kind words OBXKEV ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Thanks for the videos, they're clear and concise. It's worth mentioning that modest softboxes are no longer that expensive. I have a Neewer 32x32" spring-steel framed softbox that included an S style speedlight mount for about $40 USD. It's silvered inside and includes both the primary and secondary (interior) diffuser. Is it as robust as a studio box? Let's not be silly, but it is functional and useful on a budget.
Great video thanks for sharing your expertise
You're very welcome Mark Andersson! Thank you so much for the kind words!
You my dude Joe. Gonna donate to the channel.
Awesome BODYBYSTRUGGLE! Thanks for commenting!
thank youm amazing video :)
Thank you for the kind words saturn lom ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Thanks Joe.
I appreciate your kind words and comments Nikesh Murali! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos.
I am just setting up my home studio (not new in photography, but new in interior lighting) and this is the best I found on youtube on the subject. And what helps of course is your pics are pro grade. Thanks!
Thanks LYSYSTUDIOS and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride! If you are setting up a home studio - be sure to watch this video: th-cam.com/video/cggfTPIQcHs/w-d-xo.html
Many thanks Joe, I have seen that one already. May I have a question? I also want to try some shooting on the film and I am wondering whether I should get a flash meter, or I can just use the digital camera with the respective ISO etc. to see if the picture is good enough and then shoot with a film camera. Would you have any thoughts about that? I haven't tried myself yet, wondering if it's worth the hassle.
Flashmeter for sure LYSYSTUDIOS. I just think it will be more accurate and consistent - not to mention switching back and forth between cameras and mediums is inviting disaster.
Thanks, I thought so, but I had two professional photographers telling me they can shoot film with strobes without a flashmeter. Didn't see their photos coming out of sessions like this though, so cannot tell whether they are ok or not...
Well LYSYSTUDIOS - I can set exposure without a light meter. Basically anyone can if they understand the math and physics of strobes and light - but that doesn't mean I would want to or find it practical or totally reliable. So can they? It's possible - but I'll bet they aren't on a regular basis unless they never move their lights.
Very informative as usual. I guess photographers are the only people who zoom in on pics to check the catchlights. I do outdoor shoots with families, models and animals. I use a shoot through umbrella and a beauty dish on my Godox AD200 as setting up a softbox takes me too long
YOU ARE AWESOME
Thank you Nebula Twins Myles and Matthew! I appreciate the kind words and support!
Hi Joe great video, I actually have an umbrella with a dark backing and a diffuser
good man great video
Awesome Rob Wearn! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Have you subscribed to the channel yet?
Joe, I love your style, your videos, your helpful tips. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. It's also great to see a fellow Nikon shooter.
I just upgraded my lighting. Previously, all I had was a Yongnuo flash and a set of three inexpensive unbranded strobes that I'd purchased used on eBay. I was looking for something more powerful and portable with TTL, and ultimately decided on the Flashpoint 600 (aka Godox AD600) and a C-stand. I have a set of smaller umbrellas and a basic softbox that came with the strobes. But I really want something incredible to practice with on my new monolight. I have a $300 budget. I was halfway tempted to blow my budget on an Elinchrom parabolic until I realized I'd also have to buy a Bowens adapter.
I'd love to hear your suggestions.
Here's a couple of other things: I don't have a studio and I'm really interested in location shoots where I fight the sun and capture environmental details in addition to the model. (And yes, I know: fill the frame).
Thanks again. Adios.
This is one of the better videos on the subject! Keep up the great work Joe!
Will you be doing a video on lighting ratios?
Would love to hear your point of view on whether to use a flash meter when using speedlites vs using the camera to gauge the exposure.
Thanks Don Lefresne and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride! I will be discussing rations and meters. A little preview - I rarely use a flash meter and pay no attention to ratios - I work visually - But I will dig into it in a future video.
Fantastic post
Thanks for commenting Vinay Kumar!