A flash with softbox can be used in place of a studio strobe.
Although studio strobes are the best choice for getting accurate lighting for portrait shots, product photography and wedding shots, they are not always practical, especially for remote location shots where AC power may be difficult to use. Many photographers have found that using an off-camera flash can be just as effective. However, flash light, like strobe light, is harsh if not reflected or controlled properly. A studio softbox is a type of light diffuser that is popular with many professional photographers, and can used to soften the light from a flash unit.
Instructions
1. Screw the bracket mount onto the light stand, then mount the flash onto the bracket stand by sliding it on and flipping or screwing the lock mount system on the flash.
2. Tilt the flash head so that is is angled 90 degrees from the flash body. This is an ideal starting position, as it will mimic the use of a studio strobe.
3. Turn the wireless mode of your flash to slave. This control is typically found in the wireless system submenu of your flash unit, accessed by pressing the menu button on the flash. Alternately, you can use an off-camera shoe cord mounted on the hot shoe of your camera and mounted to the flash itself, if you do not want to fire wirelessly.
4. Mount the softbox onto the flash unit. Typically, the opening at one end of the softbox will slide over your light source, then use screws or bands to lock into place.
5. Place the flash with softbox into position. If using it as a prime light source, position it so that is 45 degrees off angle from your subject, and the center of the softbox is about even with your subject -- for instance, for portraits, have the middle of the softbox and head height..
6. Set your camera setting to synch properly with the flash. Usually, this will mean setting the shutter speed to 250 so that it syncs properly with the flash. Change the white balance on the camera in the camera menu to daylight or flash light so that your camera will shoot with the proper color balance.
7. Focus your camera on the subject and fire a test shot. Ideally, the softbox will eliminate most shadows and remove any glare on your subject. You may need to move the angle of the lightstand in relation to your subject to get the best results.
Tags: your camera, your subject, flash unit, flash light, flash with