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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Alien Bees - how far to place the SoftBox
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AuthorThread
Nikon D70
Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED
 07/26/2006 10:49:17 AM · #1
Some good news first. Finally, I received my Alien Bees light set yesterday. 3 AB 800's, Medium Softbox and 2 Umbrellas. Did some quick test with the Softbox. Some hot spots are appearing if I'm placing the softbox too close to the subject. Am wondering how far away the softbox should be from the subject.

Currently, I don't have any light meter but am planning to buy in the near future.

Can anyone help please?

Thanks.
Michelle
Canon EOS-5D
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM
 07/26/2006 10:53:49 AM · #2
We got our alien bees last week and we have the softbox about only three and a half feet away from the kids in this shot. I didnt think there are any hot spots. may be wrong though. lol. it's off to the left of the pic. we got harsher light on the right from the one through the white umbrella. I assume well get it farther away in the future but we dont have the "studio" set up yet so its all cramped up real close. seems to still work though.

edited. it was three and a half feet, maybe four away.

Message edited by author 2006-07-26 11:01:38.
Canon EOS-5D
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
 07/26/2006 11:27:25 AM · #3
StudioLighting.net has lots of great tips and tutorials on lighting techniques.

Here's one that may help you with your softbox question:
Distance to Subject and Relative Size of Light Source

Hope this helps.
 07/26/2006 11:47:17 AM · #4
With a softbox, you don't want to be too far away. When you move it too far away the light becomes less broad and more of a directional light source, killing the effect of having a softbox.

The larger the softbox, however, the further away you can place it. I'd likely keep the softbox between 3-6 feet away from the model.
Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
 07/26/2006 11:57:30 AM · #5
Would it be ok to keep the lightbox close, and diffuse it more using something like a thin sheet of fabric?
 07/26/2006 12:00:51 PM · #6
Originally posted by ignite:
Would it be ok to keep the lightbox close, and diffuse it more using something like a thin sheet of fabric?


Yes, that would be quite fine and would produce really good results.

FWIW, don't forget the value of reflectors. Using one softbox and a reflector often produces results better than using multiple light setups.
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