Portrait Photography Workshop Series

Welcome to this installment of our online photography workshop series! This month’s video is dedicated to exploring the creative uses of strip softboxes in portrait lighting scenarios. In this comprehensive video, we’ll explore the functionality of strip softboxes, how to assemble and set them up effectively (Godox brand example), and various techniques to achieve useful lighting effects.

Workshop Handbook

Don’t forget to download and save your workshop handbook. This short guide serves as a quick visual reference for concepts covered in the video.

Understanding Strip Softboxes

A strip softbox is a narrow rectangular lighting modifier that offers versatile lighting options for portrait photography. Ideal for accent lighting, rim or kicker lighting, and even functioning as a key light or background light, strip softboxes are useful tools for enhancing the visual impact of your portraits.

Setting Up Your Strip Softbox

In the video, we discuss how to assemble and connect your strip softbox to your lighting setup. From the internal frame and speed ring to the baffle and diffuser panel, we’ll guide you through each component and its role in creating beautifully diffused light.

Creative Lighting Techniques

In this section we discuss multiple ways to use a strip softbox for different lighting effects:

  • Key Light: Explore how a strip softbox can serve as a unique key light, offering controlled and directional illumination.
  • Rim or Kicker Light: How to use strip softboxes to highlight contours and add depth to your subjects.
  • Bodyscapes and Figure Photography: Explore bodyscapes and figure photography, leveraging strip softboxes to create beautiful images.
  • Background Light: Learn techniques to use a strip softbox independently as a dedicated background light, creating near linear gradient patterns for compelling portraits.

Experimentation and Application

Experiment with different angles, placements, and poses to gain an understanding of the full potential of strip softboxes in your photography. From traditional lighting setups to innovative compositions, the possibilities with strip softboxes are endless.

???? If you have any questions, or would like some feedback on your application of the techniques you’ve learned this month, contact Ed here.