One Big softbox or Two smaller ones?

I'm looking for something that can do full length portraits. I would imagine this would mean getting a really big softbox/octa about the height of the subject. I was wondering tho if anyone has had success with two smaller softboxes say 24x36" and stack one on top of the other to achieve the same result? I'm just concerned a really big softbox would be unwieldy and difficult to set up in a confined space where as two smaller ones would be easier and more versatile in the long run?

I assume you need this for indoors. I would get the bigger one. If space an issue get the shallow ones. Mike posted about Aurora softboxes last week or so. With two I think it will be harder to manage.

One big box would allow you to use one strobe. two smaller boxes would require two strobes, so which seems more unwieldy to you?

I was looking into the same thing. I have a photoflex 36X48, but to do over would have maybe looked at the shallow Chimera.

bobbyz wrote in post #13760441
I assume you need this for indoors. I would get the bigger one. If space an issue get the shallow ones. Mike posted about Aurora softboxes last week or so. With two I think it will be harder to manage.

About half and half. The reason I'm getting softboxes as opposed to umbrellas is cos they're less susceptible to the effects of wind. Ok I'll have a look at Auroras.

gonzogolf wrote in post #13760447
One big box would allow you to use one strobe. two smaller boxes would require two strobes, so which seems more unwieldy to you?

I already have two speedlites with another 2 eBay flashes on their way. I'm sticking to these for the time being instead of studio strobes for the aforementioned 'outdoor' shoots. The other bit of rationale is - smaller softboxes can be powered by less powerful flashes, bigger softboxes need proper strobes, etc.

Its not so much about power, as it is about spread of light. Studio strobes dont have focusing lenses like speedlites. Thats the size limiter. Your initial post didnt say white type of lights, but only mentioned convenience.

purpletiger wrote in post #13760636
The other bit of rationale is - smaller softboxes can be powered by less powerful flashes, bigger softboxes need proper strobes, etc.

What makes you think that? Why would bigger softbox eat more light?

For my outdoors I am getting by using medium photoflex as well as 37" octa. You can check at:

www.bobbyzphotography.​com/portraits

I have 5' octa and not use it outdoors.

bobbyz wrote in post #13760893
What makes you think that? Why would bigger softbox eat more light?

For my outdoors I am getting by using medium photoflex as well as 37" octa. You can check at:

www.bobbyzphotography.​com/portraits

I have 5' octa and not use it outdoors.

Excellent work bobbyz!

windpig wrote in post #13761458
Excellent work bobbyz!

Thanks. Most things learned from forum members here.

bobbyz wrote in post #13761965
Thanks. Most things learned from forum members here.

Well, you certainly have been able to get some cute clientele.

bobbyz wrote in post #13760893
What makes you think that? Why would bigger softbox eat more light?

For my outdoors I am getting by using medium photoflex as well as 37" octa. You can check at:

www.bobbyzphotography.​com/portraits

I have 5' octa and not use it outdoors.

So you reckon one 6 foot softbox/octa rather than 2 x 3 foot ones? Keep in mind I'm using hotshoe flashes rather than studio strobes? (Gorgeous photos btw!)

purpletiger wrote in post #13776702
So you reckon one 6 foot softbox/octa rather than 2 x 3 foot ones? Keep in mind I'm using hotshoe flashes rather than studio strobes? (Gorgeous photos btw!)

I rather doubt the spread of a single hotshoe flash is going to fill a 6ft box. It comes down to the focused lenses of the flash. They are meant to project light in a pattern that mimics the angle covered by most lenses when they are mounted in a hotshoe.

purpletiger wrote in post #13776702
So you reckon one 6 foot softbox/octa rather than 2 x 3 foot ones? Keep in mind I'm using hotshoe flashes rather than studio strobes? (Gorgeous photos btw!)

Would a test of a EX580II into a 53" Elinchrom octabox be beneficial to you?

I can't fit my 580 into my DIY hold that fits my studio modifiers, so I had to use the 430.
53" inch octabox with only outer diffuser

Shooting into a 60" white reflective umbrella with either the 580 or 430 yielded about the same results. Not sun killing, but certainly usable. Bump up to 200 or 400 ISO and no problem as long as you're not fighting ambient. open shade or shade is not an issue.

shot 1 is 36" away F8, 100 ISO, 1/125
shot 2 is 56" away F5.6, 100 ISO, 1/125

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Can I ask where you got the manequin. This is a fantastic example of lighting behaviour.