Rookie question about powering softboxes

Sorry Im new to this.

I have a softbox with a cord so Im only able to use it indoors. It uses the regular outlet of course and its a single big bulb(dont remember the output).

What do I need to be able to power this outdoors. Obviously its gonna be some sort of portable power generator but Im not sure whats out there and whats preferred for this sort of scenario.

Can someone recommend something?

Is it a strobe and modeling light?

Or a continuous light?

Is it incandescent?

Its a softbox with a single bulb and just uses a cord.

I think its just a powerful bulb, I dont really know Ill have to check.

A single light bulb in a soft box is not likely to provide any significant amount of light if the sun is up. So, before worrying too much about portability, you might run an extension cord outside and see it it suits your needs.

A softbox is nothing more than some sort of reflector/diffuser of varying shapes and sizes that goes around a light source. The actual source of the light must either be a bulb receptacle, a flash, a strobe, etc. that isn't part of the softbox.

Are you using a continuous light, ie. you flick a switch and it stays on, or does it flash once when you take a shot? What brand is it, and we can probably find it.

That being said, many are converting over to battery strobes and flashes, and not wiring to a main. If you insist on using a main line, then you will have to look into battery/inverters that can power the light, but they aren't convenient, or very cheap, I would think.

Running the cord outside to test is a good idea.

It is a continuous light that has a switch and its pretty strong honestly.

The bulb itself is about 10 inches long and maybe 3-4 inches wide.

Its a cheap setup I got from walmart.

Here are a few indoors shots I got from it.


I mainly wanna use it to fill in some light during my automotive shoots.

Im planning to start a project video that'll be outdoor and itll be late in the day.

I want to be able to use the softbox if needed.

So you have a big bulb that plugs into an AC wall socket when indoors, and the big bulb is inside a big softbox, and you are wondering about using it outside?

Use a long extension cord meant for outside use, not too thin if it is over 50' long..
Or use an AC output gas generator.

Be careful whenever there is any wind outside, even a light breeze can blow the thing over when mounted on a light stand -- even when you have some weights on the legs.