The hard truth about softboxes! Which modifiers I use in each role during photoshoots and why

[@ThatAmanda]

Your tone of voice is just perfect. Thank you for this video. And it's the first time listening to a youtube video with the person using "cm" as the unit of measurement and it's so refreshing 'cause I don't have to try convert everything all the time now. Thank you for all the info.

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much! I always try to give both inches and cm to be inclusive. 😊😊😊

[@guidetheride2103]

Clear, concise and very well presented video John. Just wanted to say thanks, very useful.

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! I really appreciate it!

[@ChrisWhickerDesignerImages]

It blows my mind on how much I don’t know about light and modifiers. As always John, great info. Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnGress]

No problem Chris! Thank you!

[@jhoang861]

i love your calm voice with image examples and softbox breakdowns! Also, I like how you added the ‘inches’ after the centimeters lol! Thanks for that! Great images! ✌️

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! I always try to remember to give both. 😁

[@caelinmoore8558]

This was extremely helpful, thank you for taking the time to put this together!!

[@JohnGress]

You're very welcome! That is great to hear!

[@shellsuber]

I am starting to put together my first studio and your videos about lighting equipment have given me a lot of great ideas about the basic pieces I'm going to need to get started. Thanks!

[@JohnGress]

That is great to hear! Thank you. This video may help too kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoSwo3ZvotRnjNE

[@TheGeocab]

I just recently bought a 36" soft box to use with my speed light, and then I added a 400 watt strobe that came with a 48" soft box as a package deal. Hope to get some practice with the two lights in a couple of days.

[@anujasharma9677]

John,your instructions are very clear. Thank you.

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! You are very welcome

[@user-qm7nw7vd5s]

Thorough presentation. I just got a strip box and octagon, both with grids, this gave me some ideas. Thanks!

[@JohnGress]

That's great to hear! Thank you so much!

[@_HMCB_]

Can’t believe you only have 28K subscribers on KZbin. Your work is killer. Wow. First-time watcher. Subbed!

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much! I’m happy you’re here.

[@davidrodgersphotography]

Great video. I have to say that, in general, I am not a big fan of circular catchlights when the talent is shot indoors as windows tend to be square or rectangular, with the opposite being true outdoors, the sun being round and all. As such I tend to use square and rectangular modifiers indoors and circular ones outdoors. I totally agree with you about the highlight roll off from circular modifiers being much better, I remember the first time I put a constant light into a rectangular softbox and dialled in the exposure for a video. When I saw the dark patches on the softbox diffusion material I was shocked 😲

[@JohnGress]

Thanks David Interesting perspective. That really is going to make me rethink things.

[@fengwang3389]

So much information within 12 minutes. Extremely helpful! Thanks a lot!

[@JohnGress]

I’m glad you liked it. Thank you!

[@olakunleolafisoye8433]

I love the way you talk. So calming and soothing plus your way of explaining is out of this world . I follow you on Instagram, so happy to see your videos on KZbin. Keep up the good work, I have subscribed too 👍 😊

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much Olakunle!! I really appreciate you taking the time to write!

[@tusharseth5584]

Well , Really thanx for such a content , I really appreciate , how you shared your experince , which people take years to earn. Thank you

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much! It's my pleasure.

[@karanarora9437]

This guy's voice is as soothing as Morgan Freeman's 👌🏼🔥 As always, nice, informative video, thank you!

[@JohnGress]

Wow, thanks!!!!

[@jabberjawgreg]

Great job John. Loved this. Saving up for that parabolic.

[@JohnGress]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@iamchriseagland]

Thank you, John. Really helpful video.

[@JohnGress]

Thats great to hear! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@peterkeady8445]

Outstanding explanation, John. I really admire your work. Thanks for sharing!

[@JohnGress]

Thanks Peter! I really appreciate it!

[@JX02123]

You answered every question I had about softboxes. Thank you for the great video!

[@JohnGress]

That’s great to hear. Thank you!

[@71whitey]

How is it possible that you only have 8500 subscribers? Thanks from Australia, Mate. Love your work.

[@JohnGress]

Thanks mate! I only started taking KZbin seriously a year ago.

[@_thisishenk_]

Great! One of the best (maybe the best) videos on point according to this topic. Thanks!

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!

[@j.miskovic7224]

Great content, I saw a few of your videos in raw and I just want to point out that I have seen a hundreds of videos about lightning online, but you are the best knowing how to transfer your knowledge 👍 Nobody ever said a simple thing as you did explaining that a jaw of a subject is correct hight for a lower part of a softbox. Thanks🙏

[@JohnGress]

Awesome, thank you so much! That is great to hear.

[@ShirtlessMenNetwork]

You do great work. Too few photographers and visual artists in general work with the male figure in the modern era. I'm glad you're one of them. I also appreciate your willingness to teach others about the tools and tricks of the trade. I believe portraiture should result in images that are worthy of hanging on the wall over the fireplace, rather than just something one frames and sets on its mantle. Your work is definitely the former. :)

[@JohnGress]

Thank you very much LJ! You are too kind.

[@helenecyr2464]

Very well explained, much appreciated, thank you! Also, gorgeous work!

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!!

[@jamesmonahan9408]

I bought a Mola Demi beauty dish / reflector and was going to sell it. But the quality of light is fabulous.

[@JohnGress]

That is great to hear!

[@joesrustyshutter3189]

A really informative video, like really, all of your videos are. You are my go to source for tutorials. Your steady even voice is very helpful. Especially when I take notes. Which I do. You are pro with lighting for sure.

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much Joe! That really motivates me to keep going 😁🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@juzzypham7421]

Hi John, thank you for your Video. I learn so much for Video. Thank you for doing the Video. Amazing Light!!

[@JohnGress]

You are very welcome! Thank you so much.

[@christossounian6746]

This video is absolutely amazing and informative. Thank you so much!

[@JohnGress]

You are so welcome! That is great to hear!

[@marksilvasilva]

Thanks a lot John! Great explanations and loved the behind the scenes set up shots as well.

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!!!

[@jamalmediaa]

the images are stunning, thanks for sharing

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!😊😊

[@henrywilson6647]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Please if you were to own 3 lights, which one's will the be? Thank you

[@JohnGress]

Thank you! The three lights would be from Elinchrom, but if you mean three modifiers, their 120cm Litemotiv, Indirect strip and a 35x90 strip. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZOqgqZ3pNqHfMU

[@alanadams2018]

Really great work! Thanks for sharing!

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! I hope it was helpful.

[@FesliyanStudios]

Also, how does someone find out which lights are compatible with the elinchrom boxes? Want to use it for video lighting, but not sure which lights to pair with it.

[@JohnGress]

I use Elinchrom rings and Bowen’s to Elinchrom adapters and Aputure 120d and 300d lights in the indirect softboxes. For the rotalux softboxes you can use the Bowen’s mount rings they sell. www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1352661-REG/elinchrom_el26541_rotalux_speedring_s_mt_f.html

[@richardatstudio9photograph941]

Amazing voice control, Outstanding knowledge base and delivery is first class, whilst other channels rely on gimmicks, John relies on hard facts, knowledge & experience built over time. #TheOG

[@JohnGress]

Wow, thanks! I really appreciate it Richard!

[@ebtexam]

Also, I love your videos! Keep posting

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!!

[@noelleclarissesantos6064]

I needed this video so much. Thank you!

[@JohnGress]

You're are so welcome! Thanks!

[@scottmohrman]

Thank you for this video. Very informative.

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!

[@gphotographybyg]

I learn something new from you every single time. This was good!

[@JohnGress]

Awesome! Thank you G!

[@riffraff778]

Hey John! Been discovering your channel by accident. Was litterally blown away with that softbox backlit setup (4:58). Great content, inspiring work of art. I definitely subscribe!

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!

[@theshopper6902]

@@JohnGress please do a video on such setup.. Led tube lights mounted behind on walls.. And name title as. " Cinematic lighting for music videos and fashion shots"

[@Muscari]

Been following for ages in IG and only just found out you had a YT channel

[@JohnGress]

Welcome aboard!

[@PA-gt1dd]

@4:51 you have two AMAZING backgrounds. One has circles cut out the other has slim rectangle cut outs...Where did you get them? Did you make them yourself? Purchase them ?

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much! I made them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3uVg5Jmra2Zd68

[@scrollop]

Stumbled upon this video. I found the most intriguing part about if the stills BTS of the intricate light setups - leading to the excellent photographs. Could you create a/some video(s) analysing some of your more complicated setups? There are many videos out there on the basics of lighting (and yours has higher production values than others), however, videos aiming at non-beginners would be very useful (and maybe a niche in the field). You have a couple, on you youtube, it appears, though thouse tantalising glimpses of setups in this video hint of some fascinating techniques that you are using. Thank you.

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much JT! You probably saw the following videos. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4qXg4OqbNSjqs0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHbcqXR7gNikh8k kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3uVg5Jmra2Zd68 I have been reserving super detailed information in general so I will have content to teach at my in my in person workshops. But since those wont be happening this year, I expect to release some more breakdowns like the ones linked above.

[@scrollop]

@@JohnGress Will be looking forward to those, thank you. The videos you've linked appear to be very good. Lyndsey Adler does a regular shot breakdown which is very interesting, also.

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!

[@AmaurisHernandez]

Great video John! Wish this video was around when I was getting into modifiers back then, but still awesome knowledge to have around 🙌

[@JohnGress]

Glad you enjoyed it! Sorry about the timing =)

[@nikmazleemuhammad595]

Thank for the huge information about softboxes sir. I'd noticed you often put box light up behind the subject.

[@JohnGress]

Glad it helped! Thank you!

[@GastonShutters]

Incredible breakdown John. 👍

[@JohnGress]

Thanks Gaston!

[@GastonShutters]

@@JohnGress you are welcome John.

[@thesammieolajide]

Thank You, John

[@JohnGress]

Thank you too!

[@luciano.armani]

Excellent breakdown man, thank you!

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!

[@keaphotoscom]

Great video John, I recently picked up a phottix raja deep 60cm for my dog work. Really nice inexpensive light that goes on the ELC’s

[@JohnGress]

Sounds great! I bet that size and contrast are perfect. Thank you so much!

[@eleanorjp]

Hi John, I've been coming back to your videos today as I finally have some budget to spend on new modifiers. I feel like I'm struggling a little to understand the difference between the Deep Octa 100cm and the Litemotiv 120cm deep parabolic. Are they hugely different? I'm not sure what I'm missing! Thank you for being so thorough & informative!

[@JohnGress]

Hello! Thank you so much for asking. In general the 120 is just more balanced when it comes to contrast and softness and the 100 is more punchy. I made a video recently comparing 5 modifiers, including the 100 and 120 which I think you'll find very useful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZOqgqZ3pNqHfMU

[@eleanorjp]

@@JohnGress Thank you!

[@qwazar9318]

Excellent videos!! thx a lot. Do you have a reccomandation for best portrait camera in studio? 5d mark 4 or nikon d810? maybe something else? best for skin tones please :)

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! I’ve always used Canon cameras. I use to have a 5DIV and now I have an R5.

[@qwazar9318]

@@JohnGress Thank you my friend. My experince with mirrorless cameras regarding skin tones is less then great, the rendering has been different. Hope with the r5 you keep the Canon color? becuase the mark 4 is great for that

[@arekusu89]

Just love your work.

[@JohnGress]

Thanks Bruno! I really appreciate it!😁

[@OliverGoldenTherapyDog]

Very well produced video. Btw, a 16 sided object is a hexadecagon.

[@JohnGress]

Thanks!

[@chanideutsch5683]

You are so to the point !!!

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!

[@KareemQuowPhotography]

awesome ! great video Sir!

[@JohnGress]

Thank you kindly!

[@subhasissarkar8758]

Very informative and immensely helpful presentation! I have a small question. We do portrait shoots in indoor studio setup. What , according to you would be the most useful softbox to light up the model upto his/her waist level?

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! My favorite smaller softbox is an Elincrom 100cm Dep Octa, but my Favorite overall is a Litemotiv 120. here is a video showing tests with them . kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZOqgqZ3pNqHfMU

[@subhasissarkar8758]

@@JohnGress, I feel honoured that you took your time to reply. I will watch the video you have mentioned and put feedback thereon. Thank you and wish you a great weekend!

[@JohnGress]

Thank you! Have a great weekend!

[@FesliyanStudios]

Can you use the elinchrom boxes for video continuous lights?

[@JohnGress]

With LED lights.

[@manmohanphotographer]

Hi John.. Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm a product photographer and I'm planning to buy a pair of recta softboxes. Should I buy a recta or an octa?. Please guide. Thanks

[@JohnGress]

Thank you! I prefer Octa’s but I’m not a product photographer so I really wouldnt be qualified to guide you.

[@iKeto_gal]

What do you recommend for outdoor portrait (easy set up, portable, and lightweight)?

[@JohnGress]

A 100cm deep octa or 135cm OctaBox with an Elinchrom ELB 500. 😁

[@sonofthesea]

Nice clear explanation - thanks :)

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!

[@brandbooststudios7908]

The voice! Good video

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much Owen!

[@rjb9377]

Kindly comment on Elinchrom 39 inch Octabox VS 39 inch Deep Octabox for portrait. Do you think the Deep Octabox is better at shaping shadows and having more control? I understand that the Deep Octabox is more direct and it is more directional which is good if you are forced to shoot further back or multiple people. I thought the Regular Octabox was softer. Thank you for your comments as I am trying to decide which of the two lights to get. ALSO, you have some very nice videos and thanks for the

[@JohnGress]

Hi RJ, I am glad you like the videos 🙏🏼 I haven’t compared them directly so I can’t answer your question but I did compare a 39 deep and a 135 shallow in this video. Modifier shootout! What's the difference between Soft boxes, parabolics & umbrellas? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZOqgqZ3pNqHfMU

[@DanielKwan]

Is there much difference between a parabolic softbox and a deep octabox, and a shallow octabox with a grid?

[@JohnGress]

Well funny you should ask. I just posted this video and I’ll do a follow up soon about l light quality. “Do parabolic soft boxes make a difference? Do they create narrower, more focused soft light?” kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6CTYmSPf5iDqrc

[@jockyoung9285]

Hi John, I thoroughly enjoyed watching your video, I have a question if you don't mind which Elinchrom lights do you use especially for the large Octobox high up and tilting, I have 3 old Speedotron force 10 1000W monolights, and there is simply no way I'm suspending my 7-foot Photoflex Octobox tilted, I'm pretty strong but there's no way I can tighten the handle to hold the weight, I tried using vice grips and snapped the handle off. So I'm assuming your heads are much lighter than my Speedotrons. One other question I have been on the fence about getting the sigma art lens, mostly because I go way back to when you wouldn't dream of buying Sigma or Tamron, if you were serious about your work. would you recommend it? Again thanks for your effort to produce the video.

[@JohnGress]

Funny you should say that, because I was a young and dumb photographer in the 90's who purchased Sigma lenses to save a little money. Of course that was a mistake back then, but it might not be such a bad idea today. I bought the Sigma art lenses because they were said to be as good or better than the Canon EF lenses. When I tested the Sigma Art 85 verses the Canon RF 85mm 1.2, the Canon version was much better. I have a video review of these lenses too. As for the heads, I use my ELC 500, ELC 500 PRO HD and FIVE heads on my heavy modifiers and they work just fine holding the modifers in place. I had the photoflex 7' back in the day, which I might have mentioned in this video, and I don't remember there being a problem with the White Lightning Ultras holding it up back then. I hope this helps!

[@DavidBichoHasBeard]

A note on "deep octaboxes" - when the light source is the evenly lit diffusor, the light's direction is 180° (a.k.a Lambertian - the luminous intensity is directly proportional to the cosine of the angle between the direction of the incident light and the surface normal). In other words, if the diffusion panel is good (no hot spot), the "directionality" is totally removed. BUT since the diffusion panel is further away from the flash tube, the probability of getting more evenly lit is higher. And that is crucial when even reflections are important - like in product photography. But who uses an octa for product photography... :) The "feeling" that the light will be thrown with more direction is just a psychological trick our mind plays us due to the shape. But it's easy to check. Compare a deep and a non-deep octa of the same size, aimed towards a wall on the same distance, and compare the size of the light stamp on different distances. If the deep octa has the smallest light stamp between the two on longer distances - I give you a free pass on my site for hardcore light nerds: www.lightbybicho.com ;)

[@JohnGress]

I have tested five of my 100-190cm softboxes and umbrellas for directionality kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6CTYmSPf5iDqrc and quality kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZOqgqZ3pNqHfMU and found that the deeper modifiers are more directional and they create the most pleasing light.

[@DavidBichoHasBeard]

​@@JohnGress Thank you for a very thorough test. You are correct, the deeper modifiers in your test behave "more directionally". No doubt about that, and practically - this is what is important since this knowledge is what you use creatively. I was clearly wrong in stating that it all was a psychological trick where there would be no difference. I am glad you made that extensive and important test. To me, this becomes even more interesting since my main point of the directionality of Lambertian surfaces is pure physics. But softboxes' diffusion baffles are clearly not diffusing enough to become Lambertian surfaces.

[@JohnGress]

Thanks David. They aren’t that much more directional, but the light does look different. Cheers!

[@miriammoriarty8588]

Very useful info thanks.

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!

[@tayballtop]

John, amazing video man and very informative. So the Elinchrom Indirect Litemotiv Octabox 190cm / 74-Inch is unavailable just about everywhere I've looked. What do you recommend as a alternative?

[@JohnGress]

Thanks Taylor! I use the Litemotiv 120 a lot but I am not so sure its the best choice. Soon, I will be shooting and adding a test where I evaluate the light quality for 5 or so different softboxes.

[@tayballtop]

@@JohnGress Great! I'll be looking forward to that.

[@michaelprince150]

how does 11 people dislike this video, this video is well made and goes to show you cant please everyone

[@JohnGress]

Ha. Thanks Michael! 3/100 people are trolls.

[@antonyshaban6281]

Nice, thank you!

[@JohnGress]

You bet!

[@theshopper6902]

Wow, lots to learn from this single video.. You explained towards the end deep parabolic are directional and more focused with softness and placement will create darkness or lightness in the background. So you have deep octabox also which is very rare in my country, as we have octabox but with very less depth or single diffuser clothe only so no very softness of light. Is there any any major differences between deep octabox vs deep parabolic! That you have noticed? As both are deep and shape related to circular light source as you mentioned in the video.. The reason to ask is to figure out why many YT creators are using deep parabolic soft boxes for video shoot as major continuous light soft box choice

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much. to my knowledge Elinchrom is the only or main manufacturer of a Deep Octabox, where as many budget brands and video lighting manufacturers sell deep parabolic modifiers at affordable prices. Because I don't have a 1m version of both types, I can't say if one is better than the other, or there is really a difference. However I can say the quality of light from Elinchrom modifiers is exceptional compared to other brands.

[@theshopper6902]

@@JohnGress thank you for your reply. In this scenario, if I want to shoot a sitting and talking interview scene I believe deep parabolic might be the best choice for the scene due to easy availability. I also saw your tubelight background diy video where you cut foam board to create the effect.. You can use title as "cinematic lightning for music videos" And create such more videos if time allows...This is what people are searching on YT .. Just for the idea.

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! The background isn't video ready because there are too many imperfections. But a better craftsman could do it!

[@theshopper6902]

@@JohnGress yes

[@antoinehiggs8451]

this was a big help

[@JohnGress]

Great to hear!

[@anastasiamitrokhina5192]

Hi! Thank you for such an amazing video. I got a question. I have two strobe lights 300W each with two 20x28 inches Softboxes. Is it enough to lightening a group of four people? Thank you!

[@JohnGress]

Thanks you! Sure that will work, but something like a 150cm octabox or 125cm umbrella would be better.

[@anastasiamitrokhina8960]

John Gress Thank you!

[@patriciashanlatte2339]

Love it!!! Thank uuu

[@JohnGress]

So glad! Thanks!

[@abarayuda3995]

Love You my Bro...

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much my friend!

[@LicInesUrbina]

appreciate the help

[@JohnGress]

No problem! thank you!

[@Beautybyjorge]

I absolutely loved your video. Thank you so much

[@JohnGress]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@pongybossman]

Great video thanks

[@JohnGress]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bleubenzin]

Did i need more powerful led light source for a 190cm diameter than a small softbox? Thank you

[@JohnGress]

You will need to put a brighter light in a larger softbox to get the same light output.

[@Carlos_Vasquez]

Awesome! 😄

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! 😄

[@Carlos_Vasquez]

@@JohnGress what do you think about beauty dishes? (not the collapsible ones) is it a good investment?

[@JohnGress]

I have had and used one for about the last 10 years. Maybe this video will help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpm5nYV3ibaAgsU

[@Carlos_Vasquez]

@@JohnGress great video! Thanks for the recommendations 😄

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!

[@michaelfrymus]

Hmm... I just bought a deep 35" parabolic softbox, but now wondering if that was the right choice. Not sure if one that isnt deep would be more convenient and useful

[@JohnGress]

For what it’s worth, if I could only have one softbox it would be an Elinchrom 39” deep octa.

[@michaelfrymus]

@@JohnGress I got the NiceFoto, which is like the Aputure quick setup, but half the price

[@JohnGress]

Great news!

[@enriquefuentes2150]

Fantastic.

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!

[@laxmanp8147]

Thanks for the video brother....

[@JohnGress]

My pleasure!

[@OsiasBoyd]

16 sided Polygon is a hexadecagon, thanks for the video!

[@JohnGress]

Yeah I know. That’s why I just call it my Litemotiv

[@JohnGress]

Hexadecabox doesn’t have a ring to it.

[@OsiasBoyd]

@@JohnGress lol I agree..

[@MasterrLego]

Good videos. Always gotta increase the speed though.

[@JohnGress]

Thanks. I recorded this when I was fairly new to KZbin. I think as time as gone by I have become more comfortable and I talk faster.

[@tedebaer1]

Thank you.

[@JohnGress]

You're welcome! Thank you!

[@ebtexam]

Hi John, im looking to buy this ez fold indirect 110 octa box. Could you explain the difference between a deflected octa and normal octa? Please reply soon!

[@JohnGress]

Indirects will generally be more even because there isn’t a light pointed at the middle of the fabric face. I’m often not using the two Octa types together but the difference in the light from the strip soft boxes is huge.

[@ebtexam]

@@JohnGress Yeah, I have noticed that strip ones are usually come with a deflector? So I bought my first big size octa, it is deflected but deflection can be removed by unscrewing 3(easy to remove) screws on the plate! Hyped to test it out! Thanks for the reply

[@JohnGress]

Removing the disc will probably result in more uneven light. But now you're making me want to test my Elinchrom 35x90cm strips with an optional disc.

[@ebtexam]

@@JohnGress please do that! My next purchase is a strip softbox for fashion related needs

[@PA-gt1dd]

I notice while ur doing your examples the soft box (specifically hairlight) is continuous. Im new to photography. Should the hairlight be continuous or strobe?

[@JohnGress]

I think you're looking at BTS photos where the flashes that are in the shot is firing, or you're seeing BTS video with the modeling light on. But I almost never use continuous light. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmWUapVmrt2gpas

[@lisag6503]

Is the light from the deep parabolic softbox similar to a regular parabolic softbox with a grid added?

[@JohnGress]

I'm not sure what you mean since all parabolic soft boxes are deep. However, here is a link to a video comparing the light quality of my soft boxes kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZOqgqZ3pNqHfMU

[@terraferme2590]

Hi. John. I am starting to take pictures of dancers from a school. And wish to have a help about the what softboxes size and type will suit better. I have 4 lights at the moment to use. Ad200 and ad400.

[@JohnGress]

If you want soft light, I would consider the 7' Westcott umbrella with a cover. But I would also suggest that you watch this video too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j165qmyjnJiHldE

[@thefitnessgladiator6779]

Hey john, what is the name of, or where did you get the panel with the circles at?

[@JohnGress]

I made it. This video may help - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3uVg5Jmra2Zd68

[@thefitnessgladiator6779]

@@JohnGress I was actually looking all over for it. Definitely nice work.

[@La_Epoca]

Fantastic video: great use your voice, image examples from BTS too, light/product names (I will buy two that you mentioned), and much more. However, quick question, John, if you may; I'm surprised that you didn't mention change the color of the light that you had in some of your shots. What do you recommend for creating a light-bluish light (moonlight or mysteriousness in videos) or red light (danger or romantic)?? Are you still using softboxes with some colored diffuser or do you use led panels? I would value your response! Thank you!

[@JohnGress]

Thanks! I would place gels over the flash tube if I was going for that sort of look. I have a 40 minute gels tutorial on my website and there is a 3 day free trial period if you're interested in checking it out. johngress.com/member-exclusive-lighting-tutorial-gels-part-1-2/

[@La_Epoca]

@@JohnGress Thank you, John, for your response. I should have clarified that I am interested in the constant lighting - not flash; I am shooting film. Do you cover exclusively constant lighting with gels in your tutorial?

[@JohnGress]

Not specifically. I don’t think it’s really any different given the popularity of LED monolights like the Nanlite FS-300

[@nexuses1]

I think this video could have been an hour long. My favourite modifiers are my Elinchrom stripboxes: easy to setup, compact and great in small spaces. Just recently I got the Indirect 190, octa 100 and broncolor 133, but haven't really had an excuse to use them seriously yet. So I'm curious if that might change.

[@JohnGress]

Ha! Thanks! I literally just packed-up two strips after using them during my first shoot in three months. If love to know how you feel about the 133 on flood and the 190 without diffusion.

[@nexuses1]

@@JohnGress Yeah will do! Had not even considered using the 190 without diffusion, until you brought it up, but I'll definitely give it a try.

[@JohnGress]

Sounds like a fun test!

[@TheFragranceGuy]

Can you help me? I'm going to buy a softbox for shooting flat layers and product shots, both lit up and dramatic light with shadows. I have a small area and the light has to be quite close. I'm thinking of a round softbox, but what size should I get?

[@JohnGress]

Hello! I’d live to but I don’t think a softbox will give you dramatic light and shadows if it’s places close to the subject.

[@senseijamie]

Do you have both the diffusion panels installed on the Deep Octa?

[@JohnGress]

yes

[@CurtNaZ]

What is the "plus/cross" thing in some of the behind the scenes shots? Looks like some kind of slider your camera is on?

[@JohnGress]

I'm not sure, can you give me a time stamp?

[@cameratechnologycambodia2751]

Good video sharing thank!!!

[@JohnGress]

Thank you so much!

[@photographydirector]

Thank you!

[@JohnGress]

You're welcome! Thank you!

[@joejohnsonjr6417]

I’m just being to use soft boxes with either my canon 70d or my Sony a58 struggling to know what my camera settings are

[@JohnGress]

1/200 or your cameras Sync speed f5.6 to f8 ISO 100 is always a great place to start in the studio.

[@mauricesteiner8168]

Thank you for the video, I personally would have liked to see an overview, would have been better didactically in my opinion

[@JohnGress]

Sure thing! Food for thought for the future.

[@kesselbrenner]

Great video Sounds that the 190 cm indirect Octabox is a deep bounce umbrella with 2 layers of diffusion. Will it output the same light quality as a deep bounce umbrella if you remove the inner diffuser (in the Octabox)?

[@JohnGress]

It is a shallow octabox with the light pointing away from the subject and it has two layers of diffusion sewn together as the outer layer. Perhaps a larger silver umbrella with a translucent cover would be close, but i doubt it. One of the things that makes this modifier amazing is its extremely even. Plus there aren't any umbrellas that ate this large.

[@kesselbrenner]

@@JohnGress Westcott has 7’ umbrellas, Impact has as well.

[@JohnGress]

Oh right. I forgot I used to own one. It’s nothing like this modifier.

[@cesarebonazza]

Excellent thank you

[@JohnGress]

Thank you!

[@cesarebonazza]

@@JohnGress Dam you are a great shooter I been doing this for 40 years