Best softbox size for full body shoots

[danielyamseng]

May I know what's the minimum size of the softbox for full body and half body shoots( let say I place it at the min distance without noticeable distortion effect)?

Does the softbox size 25.5 x 25.5 inches and 21 x 21 inches is sufficient for full body and half body shoots?

[AxxisPhoto]

It all depends on how you position the light, and what power setting you use, and what kind of lighting effect you are going for. I have a 32x40" softbox, and a 10x36" stripbox and I get great results with both.

[danielyamseng]

I thought the size of the softbox has effect on how soft the light to the subject? As of my understanding, if the softbox is too small or place too far away from the subject, the light would be harsh.

My idea would be each softbox place at 45 deg of the subject being the softbox facing directly to the subject.

Another setup would be both softbox facing the subject, being the the larger one facing the subject at a higher ground facing downward at 45 deg.
While the smaller one, placed the the bottom facing 45 upward. ( is this correct, or the larger one has to be at the bottom).


AxxisPhoto, with my softbox size 25.5 x 25.5 inches and 21 x 21 inches, how do you place it for the best result.

I just want the light to be soft.Not planning to use the light for high key image.

[FlashZebra]

For maximum soft effect the softbox should be equal in size to the subject, and placed very close to the subject.

So for an adult human being that would put the softbox's major dimension at about 2 meters or 6 feet.

This does not mean that one might not be able to live with a compromise apparatus.

Enjoy! Lon

[danielyamseng]

FlashZebra, then what's the best setup for my current setup?

[FlashZebra]

FlashZebra, then what's the best setup for my current setup?
Well, now you are talking about compromise, not "best" as in you thread title.

Only you will be able to determine if the gear you have produces a result that is acceptable for your needs.

All other things equal I would suspect a 21 inch softbox or a 25 inch softbox would produce results that would be the same.

Enjoy! Lon

[danielyamseng]

Yeah, I wanted to get the best result for a suggested soft box size. But I was thinking if I use the current softbox size, would the images turn out to be harsh, or how does it differ from using a correct softbox size?

Does anyone has some test shoot for this?