Large Softbox in a Small Home Studio | Take and Make Great Photography with Gavin Hoey
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- Опубліковано 27 тра 2024
- The bigger your light source, the softer the shadows, and when it comes to portrait photography, soft-edged shadows are more often than not the look that sells the shot. Softboxes don’t come much bigger than a 7-foot umbrella with a diffusing cover attached but using in such a large light modifier in a small home studio is quite a challenge.
In this video, photographer Gavin Hoey uses the 7’ Westcott umbrella to create three different looks. Starting with the goal of achieving a soft but evenly illuminated portrait, Gavin shares some helpful hints on the right way and the wrong way to use a softbox that’s as big as his subject.
Next Gavin changes the light position so it’s a large overhead light source and creates some beautifully lit portraits from a single flash. Finally, Gavin moves the 7’ softbox to the side to feather the light and give the large light source some controllable direction.
Timestamps and Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:12 The WRONG way to use a large softbox
2:20 The right way to make an evenly lit portrait
3:33 A large softbox for soft, flexible portrait lighting
4:23 Overhead lighting with a large softbox
6:31 Large, overhead softbox photo session
7:21 Feathering the light from a large softbox
8:34 Large, feathered softbox photo session
9:24 Conclusions and Subscribe
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✘ PRODUCTS USED:
Westcott 7 Feet Silver Parabolic Umbrella
www.adorama.com/weuslp7.html
Westcott 4631D Umbrella Diffuser for Parabolic Umbrella
www.adorama.com/we4631d.html
OM SYSTEM OM-1
www.adorama.com/iomom1.html
OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro II
www.adorama.com/iom1240pb.html
Lexar Professional 1667x 64GB SDXC UHS-II/U3 Memory Card
www.adorama.com/ilxsd64g1667....
Flashpoint XPLOR 300 Pro
www.adorama.com/fplfx300ptb.html
Flashpoint R2 Pro Transmitter
www.adorama.com/fprrr2proo.html
Kupo 20" Master Raiser C-Stand
www.adorama.com/kuks703712.html
Flashpoint 10’ C-Stand and Grip Arm
www.adorama.com/fplsc.html
Tether Tools Pro 16' USB 2.0 Active Extension Cable
www.adorama.com/ttcu1917.html
Sekonic L-308 Flash Meter
www.adorama.com/sksk401305.html
Manfrotto 5x7' Vintage Collapsible Background, Smoke/Concrete
www.adorama.com/ls57bcksmke.html
Westcott 8x8' X-Drop Pro Wrinkle-Resistant Backdrop Kit with Stand
www.adorama.com/we880k.html
Westcott 8x8' X-Drop Pro Fabric Backdrop, Grunge Concrete
www.adorama.com/we640f8.html
#lightingtutorial #softbox #adorama
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Follow Gavin on
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Model: Chloe Kerley
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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING! - Навчання та стиль
That intro tutorial with the sock is PREMIUM content
in fifteen second you taught me something i have been struggling with for over 8 years 0:00
Every day is a school day 😉Glad I could help.
I love how you put the sock on before opening the umbrella! I’ve always wrangled with it after opening the umbrella! Ooof! Lol
B&W for the last ones. Color for the first batch, which are stunning
Gavin, you're the best photography presenter bar none. Thanks for the many, many years of the best content. ❤
love to see this combo Gavin and Chloe
The best photo teacher in the world!
You're extremely good at photography and teaching Gavin; a rare mix! I love your style and I've learned tons from you over the years, many thanks.
You made this video the correct time, I just bought the westcott 7’ umbrella. Great video Gavin
Then the first 20 seconds of this video could be the most useful thing you'll see today Daniel 😉
I use a 7foot umbrella with diffusion all the time when doing on location portraits from business people for magazine.
With a white interior they are much more even - but most of the time I use the silver with a ad200pro and the diffusion dome on in inside the umbrella. The light is as nice as from a softbox the same size, but big enough to light 2, 3 or 5 people at the same time. And it packs nice and it is fast, which is the most important part of these assignments. I can change super fast the location.
Thx for your advice
Great to know it works so well with the ad200, I just bought one and I am looking forward to trying it out with my large umbrella. Is there anywhere we can see your portraits using that setup? Thanks!
Always partial to colour, but the black and white were very nicely dramatic. I enjoyed this video, Thanks!
B&W!! Great video Gavin.
Both color and B&W were great! I prefer the color.Beautiful blends of blues.
Wow! That's a big one Gavin! 😉
I recently bought an 80x120cm softbox and I thought that was big! Blimey!
80x120 is still large Mike but this beast has a working diameter of 176cm which is another level!
I've had another person helping me setup my giant umbrella and your way is much quicker! Gavin, you are the master at all things photography!
Thanks for the kind words ☺
Good trick with the diffuser sock!
Top tips right from the start 😁
The best teacher in photogaphy to date and its free.
WTF, I've only watched 19 seconds and this changed my life with trying to set up my 65" umbrella!!!!
Very informative, as all of your videos are. You have lovely models who photograph so beautifully. Would you consider bringing in a much older model to show us how these modifiers would work with aged, wrinkly faces? That big softbox/umbrella must be a big help in softening the wrinkle shadows on older skin.
Chloe looks great! Thanks also to her. Regards Peter
the best teacher Gavin, thanks!!!
Both the B/W and color are great for different reasons.
The BW images are gorgeous!
Awesome B&W
That’s a MASSIVE umbrella. I’m still learning flash, clearly, because I was expecting her skin to be blown off. I learned quite a bit with this video. I love color, but I’m really loving the monochrome. That’s become my favorite. Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the comment Teresa. No danger of loosing the skin detail if the exposure is right but you're right, without the diffusing cover the results would have been a lot more "specular" which is a short way of saying glowing highlights which, if not handled well, increase the chance of loosing detail.
Beautiful images Gavin. Love the colour for the background shots (love that background) but black and white against the wall. Beautiful either way though 😊😊
Gavin you are a world heritage treasure for all of us, so many years so much persistence so many new generations of sucessful photographers: I salute you Sir
Thank you for the kind words Gianni 😊
As a Leeds United supporter living in Queensland, Australia, Gavin's superb videos are not only more effective but far cheaper than traditional counselling. Thank you for your service to humanity.
B&W for the win
Love both black and white and muted colour too
Thanks Kirsty, me too 👍
Great job Gavin! I am leaning towards the BW pictures..... they definitely have a vibe 😉
Allways great content for any level of photographers. A pleasure to watch any video you make.
Awesome images. It’s hard to beat the b+w images.
Gavin is the best on this channel!
I LOVE the umbrella/softbox over head. I am ordering a C Stand so I can do this. Also, I really like the black and white at the end. Thank you SO much for these videos!
Your model is very well colour coordinated, so stay with colour is my choice Gavin. It gives your photographs a nice mellow relaxing feel. Monochrome looks a bit harsh.
Thanks for the colour compliment John. Sam and I did a tour of the local charity shops a few days before the session to find some suitable denim clothes. Just one of the many unseen things that happen behind the scenes of an Adorama TV shoot 😉
One of my favourite modifiers
The b/w where she had her hand up by her forehead is my favorite.
very informative video (inverse square law etc) impressive soft box Thanks Gavin.
All of your captures are fantastic! I prefer the black and white for this shoot! ❤❤
A very good instructor.
Black and white is my preference here. Great Video Mr. Hoey!
Your teaching methods are both knowledge based and humorous! A rare combination in comparison to alot of UA-cam "experts" in the realm of photography!
Brilliant work Gavin!
you are amazing Gavin !
Bravo, Gavin!
Chloe is Bellissima..!
brilliant video
very cool shots, excellent!
Very nice tips!
Very helpful tutorials as always! Thank you so much!
always master .. great work
Xina doing a camera shoot... I love it.
Thank you Gavin, ot is always inspiring watching you in your sessions
Great video. Color is my favorite!
🙏🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 you are the very best Teacher… you make us think
I love any photo Chloe’s in but if I had to choose I’ll pick B&W this time. Always entertaining and informative. Nice work, all you guys!
I love using a big softbox. Great video.
this is awesome! thank you Adorama!
I think black and white. Thank you for the video.
Great video
I always enjoy your videos! I've been working with light and modifiers for years and I always seem to learn something new with each of your videos; something that I hadn't thought of before and now I want to go try. Keep 'em coming!
Always useful Gavin. I bought a large umbrella and this helped me understand how to utilize it better!
I picked up an umbrella, not quite as big as that with the soft box for it. I’ve been terrified to use it but now, after watching you do it I cannot wait to get back into my little tiny studio and give it a go! Your videos are very inspiring. Thank you so much!
Such a beautiful light modifier. Use it as a main like you did or as a fill. It’s a great relatively inexpensive light modifier to have in your tool kit especially in the studio. Love your videos!!
Thanks Jerry. It's probably got the best cost to size ratios out there!
@@GavinHoey oh yeah for sure!
Very helpful
This is my main modifier in my studio and I adore it. Very cost effective too!
Thanks for the comment Paul and yes, the cost is surprising but in a good way 😁
This was a great video (as usual). I get so much information that I then use during my own photoshoots. I actually like the muted color because the blue of Chloe's outfit adds something to the photo.
Fantastic tutorial as always, peppered with your trademark dry humour; a joy to learn from.
That's an amazing video!!! I need to start using mine and try it out! Thank you!!!!
Thank You Gavin for all the hard work. I love your videos. I can tell you really enjoy what you are doing. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Thomas. It's only hard work if you don't enjoy what you do 😉
Fabulous video of a real dream team. Instructive and entertaining, just about the right combination.
Thank you! ❤
OMG, ive been doing this wrong all this time. TY for the tip of setting up the softbox at the start on big umbrellas!
Glad I could help 😊
I prefer the colour, Gavin, although the BW is very good for me a little too heavy on the shadows, thank you for a very interesting and informative video.
Love this Gavin your video's bring me joy and laughter 🎉 every time
That's all I'm ever trying to do Kirsty 😉
@@GavinHoey thankyou Gavin for your hard work.
Gavin, thanks for the great video. My studio is of a similar size, albeit slightly narrower. I am convinced to try this huge umbrella!
Been a while since I have watched one of your videos but great to be back to watch you again Gavin and as ever even though I have shot quite a bit of studio stuff now (following your teaching) you still remind me of things or give me new ideas and things to try. I Love your practical to the point teaching 😀. I have used my big softbox in your position 2 quite a bit, often as a low power fill too, but yet to try such a big modifier overhead - I will now though 😀. My slight preference is bw to answer your question, a bit Peter Coulson feel.
black and white is beautiful .amazing job you have done . yes i enjoy your video i learn a lot from you
thanks for the hard work .
Quality video as always, love the variety you can get from just one modifer.
Thanks Matt 👍
I have had this set up for approx. 2 years. Makes for great soft portraits, and without the difuser, really good for groups of 5-7.
Fabulous as always Gavin. I'm going to say I lean towards the muted colour version as a preferance over the B&W but both look great 👍
I like the black and white
Thanks!
I like the Black and white
Brilliant as usual - your timing is amazing as my mahoosive umberella arrived last week!
Any chance of a future vid showing how to light larger groups or even couples?
Color👍👍
Black and white❤
Hi Gavin, and thanks for another great and informative video. I'm a retiree and a hobbyist photographer and have the luxury of my own small studio, and by small I mean tiny! Of course it's all relative, your studio is very small in comparison to most commercial studios yet it is almost palacio in comparison to mine! 🙂
I remember your session in the corridor and was enthused by that, so my plea is for some more ideas for the micro studio users like me. For information, my space is exactly 3X3 metres, very cosy when there's kit and more then two people (including me) in there! Oh, I should add that I live in Spain and the kit load is added to with fans in a sometimes vain hope to keep us all cool. 🙂
Again, thanks for the videos, I enjoy seeing your work.
Imposssible to choose between the B&W and Mited Colors. Just love everything about this video.
My studio is super small _ itsy bitsy tiny _ but I have a small place to work in
Whilst I love hard light and shadows for drama, a large light source overhead can be gorgeous as well. Also the younger models/clientstends to prefer the softer look. Always a pleasure to see Chloe (and all your models). I think I prefer slightly faded colours for these images (although the ones were Chloe as at the extreme edge of the source also looked good with dramatic shadows. Great video and thanks to everyone.
Thanks for the comment Alan. The older I get them more I prefer soft light to light me 👴
I think I have watched ever one of your videos, some several times over and have learned a lot and I thank you so much for all you have done in the world of photography sharing what you know. But I have to wonder if you ever use a male for a model. It would help to see how you shoot a male and the different poses you use. Thanks again for all you do.
Hi Gavin great video again. Unless you've grown a couple of feet I believe that umbrella is actually the 5ft rather than their 7ft one, however it could be a video image trick making it seem smaller.
You can blame the Westcott marketing department 😉 The 7' umbrella (according to the packaging) has an opened diameter of 5'8" (176cm)
It's due to the silly way umbrellas are sometimes(maybe often) measured. Manufacturers will often use the circumference of the umbrella, rather than the cross section. This is not just photography umbrellas, but any umbrella.
Edit: that's the circumference of the curve that goes overtop of you if you were to stand under the umbrella, not the circumference around the outside... Hopefully that's less confusing.
Black & white 😊
Again a great video, Gavin. I'm just wondering how much the light bouncing on the walls of your small studio add to the final image. I would not be bothered in a large studio, but in this case I'd bet that walls would definitely add some light on the final image (and would be interesting to see the effect on the subject should the walls be painted in a brilliant colour...)
Thanks
Awesome work, as always. I don't think you can go wrong with Chloe in front of the camera. I think that I prefer the black and white, with some color thrown in for good measure.
Super inspiring video, thank you so much. I am wondering if comparable results can be achieved with less effort such as bounce flash. I am using an AD200 with the standard reflector and point it to the white wall or ceiling to get a round circular shaped light source like a softbox. Sometimes I use barn doors to create a rectangular shape like a window. Therefore, I have my AD200 in a S-bracket and use the BD-02 barn doors, or I grab my Godox V1 with the AK R1. Of course, I cannot move the wall and I cannot feather the light, but I can change the direction and the size of the light source by simply adjusting the barn doors or pointing my flash to another surface. Or I can ask my model to stand closer or further away from the wall which I use for bounce flash. That way I can also change the distance of the light. Indirect flash often is the only option for events when you need to be quick. I do not own a huge umbrella yet and wonder if there is much difference in the results. I ask myself if anyone did test that before?
B&W Gavin 👍
A large softbox is my favorite piece of studio gear.
I just bought one of these "seven foot" umbrellas actually. Even though I knew how big it would be I was still a little shocked the first time I opened it up! My favorite part is how easily it sets up and tears down though - that more than makes up for it's unwieldy size!
Spot on comment 👍