Lighting

Big Light Sources
With that basic lighting primer out of the way, we can now look at the subject of this article--big light sources--with a better understanding. For the last 15 years or so, using big softboxes as light modifiers has been in vogue. I believe the change in lighting from small, parabolic light sources to much bigger light sources can be traced to one person: Dean Collins. He was instrumental in teaching photographers the benefits of large light sources, from big softboxes to large panels of fabric to aim lights through. As a bright guy and an entertaining speaker, Collins attracted huge crowds to hear his message. There were two big points: 1) the larger the light source in relation to the subject, the softer the light and 2) the softer the light, the more gradual the transition from highlight to shadow area. In general, this means a much more flattering light for the subject.

The photo of Flint Quisumbing was taken in a similar manner to that of John Dyer but with a higher camera angle and stronger reflection from the mirror. A weak background light was also used and an effect was added in Photoshop.

Now just about every photographer uses softboxes of one fashion or another; trying to find a photographer using parabolic light sources (not that that's a bad thing) is difficult. To take a closer look at why the light from such big boxes is so popular, let's see just how they work.

Basic portrait lighting has traditionally used a "fill" light to lessen the harshness of the shadows from the main light. Indeed, the relationship or "ratio" of the main light to the fill light determined just how dark or how bright the shadows would be. If the main and fill light were equal, there would be no shadows. If the main light had twice the power of the fill, shadows would be distinct. The greater the difference between the light output of the main and fill light, the deeper the shadows. But the shadows were still well defined since the main light was coming from a relatively small light source. The transition from shadow to highlight was relatively abrupt.

Now let's look at the way most current portrait photographers use their softbox for lighting. I use a 4x6 Larson softbox, a very popular model among portrait photographers since its output from edge to center and back to the other edge is consistent. By that I mean the center is not brighter than the edges, which is how some softboxes are designed, and that also has its uses. I use the box horizontally on my light source and keep my subject toward the "back end" of it. Using it in this manner creates a light that thinks it's two lights!

The light from the softbox that's closest to my subject is the "main" light. But all that other light--that from the forward part of the softbox--is creating not only its own fill but also a gradual transition from highlight to shadow area. This is what's known as "wraparound" light since the light source literally wraps itself around the subject. A large light source (relative to the subject) is how this effect is achieved. In effect, the big light source becomes both the main and fill light! Many times I'll use the big box solo and just add a reflector for an accent without destroying the lighting pattern. If you are currently using small light sources and want to achieve a different look, give this a try.

Softbox Subject Placement
The enclosed photo shows my Larson 4x6 softbox and where I place it relative to my subject. You can see I use the "back end" of the light as the main light and the part of the light closest to the camera acts as its own fill. Note that with the light and subject in this position I will create a "loop" lighting pattern with a triangular highlight on the shadow side of the face. If I were to move my subject to the center of the softbox a "split" light would be created. Placing the light behind and either above or to the side of the subject would create a profile light. The reason this particular softbox is so popular with portrait photographers is because the output from edge to edge is consistent. I measured the light from one edge, then the center, then the other edge, and the light output varied by less than 2/10 of a stop! If the center was stronger, it would destroy the lighting concepts I noted earlier because the light would not drop off but be stronger or the same, depending upon the distance of the light and how it is aimed.

The photo above shows "M" for the main light and "F" for the fill. Please note I am not receiving any consideration from Larson--it's just what I use.

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