Always a stiff breeze so softbox?

First light setup for a nub.

There is always a 5-20mph breeze where I live so I was seriously considering going with a soft box setup instead of umbrellas for off camera light.

Since it will be my first time with flash I want to do a budget setup just for a test and found this http://www.amazon.com …s=speedlight+so​ft+box+kit

I know I would probably still have to use sandbags but will it be easier to use then umbrellas in wind?
Calling on your experience guys, I don't have a studio, I am not a pro , but I do like taking well lit photos and who knows maybe it can grow into something.

When it's windy, I use a beauty dish, there are several budget priced BD's on ebay and amazon.

I do not like the look of that light stand. The wider the footprint, the more stable it will be, and that looks like a pretty typical generic aluminum light stand. No bueno outdoors. Regardless of the stand, yes, you will have to sandbag.

Those softboxes are less fly-away prone than an umbrella, but because of the flat sides and size, it will still get "pushed". I have used my 20" versions of those kinds of softboxes, and they'll still feel the wind but they aren't sails. An umbrella will try to fly away!

Fotodiox 28" BD.

As others have already stated, a beauty dish should be the first option when shooting in unpredictable windy conditions.

Ralph, do you the link again to the one that you have?

28" is getting a little big for windy conditions.

This is what I got:
http://fotodioxpro.com …s-strobe-flash-light.html

I don't think you'd see a substantial difference in windage between a 22" and a 28". I like the output of the 28 BD, especially if you want some modeling. I'm sure there will be folks telling me I'm full of sh*t shortly

Oh, and a substantial stand with a sandbag or a 15lb battery pack for weight is a for sure.

BTW, does your phone still work at 40 below?

BrickR wrote in post #16510942
I do not like the look of that light stand. The wider the footprint, the more stable it will be, ...

Creative Light 6' Travel Stands are light, & take sand bags well.

"C stands", Century stands are very stable, too.

Thanks for the responses very much and the advice.
The Fotodiox 28" BD is out of my price range for an experiment though.

I may just have make my own or make a softbox out of a cooler I have and see how it works.

Dear HOTLED/Ken,

Light modifiers depend so much on individual preference, style & desired image (but given your OP reference appeared to be a speedlight, rather than strobe) you may want to consider this on or ideally off camera.
ROGUE Flashbender – Large:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …r_Large_Positio​nable.html $37.99 USD
IN SUMMARY - simple, versatile, compact, portable and effective!

I love this thing!!! (& share your goal of taking well lit photos)

Outside-
http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=hjL7mO25WLo (4:57 minute video)
Also great for inside-
http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=Qa9709Ex8nY (9:01 minute video)
You tube is your friend to see other videos of this versatile product in action.

Just something to think about and a simple option for you...
Hope this helps, good luck & have fun!


Mary

Take a look at this. Not saying you should buy that accessory (which only works with their softboxes anyway), but maybe you can improvise something like it?

happy2010 wrote in post #16511707
Dear HOTLED/Ken,

Light modifiers depend so much on individual preference, style & desired image (but given your OP reference appeared to be a speedlight, rather than strobe) you may want to consider this on or ideally off camera.
ROGUE Flashbender – Large:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …r_Large_Positio​nable.html $37.99 USD
IN SUMMARY - simple, versatile, compact, portable and effective!

I love this thing!!! (& share your goal of taking well lit photos)

Outside-
http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=hjL7mO25WLo (4:57 minute video)
Also great for inside-
http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=Qa9709Ex8nY (9:01 minute video)
You tube is your friend to see other videos of this versatile product in action.

Just something to think about and a simple option for you...
Hope this helps, good luck & have fun!


Mary

Looks perfect for me to learn on- Thank you very much for the links. Now to find a stand with shoe mount on the cheap lol...I'm a cheap sob.

Hi HOTLED/Ken,
You indicated in OP: “There is always a 5-20 mph breeze where I live”.
Hmmm…
I have read that Texans do it BIG - perhaps that includes lawsuits.
Wind + cheap = potential trouble => public liability!! Suggest don’t potentially compromise on safety.
(there are several reasons many cities & municipalities do not allow tripods, nor light stands on public walkways, etc).

“Cheap” may end up costing you more in the long term via damaged/broken stands, unsatisfactory/comprom​ised performance, product iterations through experience, or worse a writ; you may want to consider a doing it right the first time approach by - think twice & act once. Remember with risk management: luck favors those that are prepared.
Just one view… (with concern for you & your subjects)

Happy shooting.

Mary