Comments on: Umbrella vs. Softbox: a quick comparison

By: Jacob Vorpahl

Jacob Vorpahl — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:47:47 +0000

No no, you’re fine. It was a good point and you’re welcome for the comparisons. I don’t mind seeing ways to improve things, it can only help us all out if done right.

By: Tim

Tim — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:24:45 +0000

I realized that my previous comment didn’t come off sounding as appreciative as it should for the work you’ve already done – So thanks! I recent got a soft box for exactly this reason – too much spill from umbrellas. Your comparisons are very helpful.

By: Jacob Vorpahl

Jacob Vorpahl — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:53:10 +0000

Fair enough issue regarding the spill being different with even exposures versus the same flash power.

I’ll look to do an update or something taking this into account. I’d like to note that I just recently (last few months) got into using a light meter so before there was no exact way for me to make sure the exposures were the same. Now I can do that.

I’m looking at doing a more comprehensive update/series just on brollys and softboxes with some of the points people have raised on here. It’s so popular that articles involving the two appear at the top of my visited list almost everyday.

By: Tim

Tim — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:29:25 +0000

Great that you’re doing these tests, but it would be more informative if you adjusted to get even exposures. It seems pretty clear that the softbox eats up more light – no surprise – and it’s worth noting this difference. But I would find the comparison shots much more useful if you adjusted the flash levels to get the same exposure on the subject. It’s also not fair to compare spill when one is under exposing the subject compared to the other.

By: Jacob Vorpahl

Jacob Vorpahl — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:10:27 +0000

My pleasure jon, hopefully you’re getting great results from your new softbox.

By: jon

jon — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:32:10 +0000

Thanks a bunch for the comparison. I was about to make a huge mistake in purchasing an umbrella kit. LIFE SAVER!!!

By: Miguel

Miguel — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:49:07 +0000

Jacob, Thanks for your comments!! I have been looking on the web to buy my firts equipment, and your blog has been of great help!! Ill go for the softbox! Cheers

By: Umbrella vs. Softbox - Digital Photography Tips and Techniques

Umbrella vs. Softbox - Digital Photography Tips and Techniques — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:20:56 +0000

[...] Article: Umbrella vs. Softbox: a quick comparison [...]

By: More cupcakes, simple easy pictures, and addition tells me I'm now 27 | OneBrightSpot.com- Jacob Vorpahl's Blog

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:48:14 +0000

[...] didn’t care about spill since the shot was going to be in close enough for it not to matter (this will explain a little why spill is important). I tinkered with the cupcakes a little as I looked through my viewfinder, moved them around here [...]

By: Back from a long hiatus... with a cupcake! | OneBrightSpot.com- Jacob Vorpahl's Blog

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:47:41 +0000

[...] been a long time since I updated my blog, I know. I also know I still you owe that review of the 28″ Westcott Apollo softbox from way back when. Don’t worry, it’ll come, along with some more updates. Just because I [...]