Key Light for Portraits: Softbox or Reflectors?

Softboxes and reflectors are the most common types of light modifiers that photographers use. While a softbox is a directional light source, reflectors are used to instead bounce light. Both of these light modifiers thus have unique traits of their own. In today’s video, photographer Daniel Norton from Adorama compares these light sources when used as key portrait lighting and demonstrates the advantages of both:

When it comes to portrait photography, soft light is essential, and the best way to soften light is to diffuse it—either by using a softbox or by reflecting it off a surface. By doing so, it appears as if the light’s coming from a larger light source, and that’s what makes all the difference.

In the video, Norton compares both of these means of producing soft light for portraits, and there are some key differences he outlines in the process.

The most important difference is that the light becomes directional when using a softbox. But when we bounce it off a foam core, it spreads out. This means we can have a greater level of control when using a softbox. However, the same cannot be said in the case of the reflector.

Hence, a greater amount of light gets spilled when using a reflector. This results in a relatively brighter background—suitable for taking group photos. In the case of a softbox, however, the background comes out much darker, making it unsuitable for photographing larger groups, but perhaps better for individuals.

Be sure to watch the complete video for an in-depth comparison of the results. And also let us know what type of lighting you like to use for your portrait photography. We’d love to hear from you.

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