Large Softbox in a Small Home Studio | Take and Make Great Photography with Gavin Hoey

The bigger your light source, the softer the shadows, and when it comes to portrait photography, soft-edged shadows are more often than not the look that sells the shot. Softboxes don’t come much bigger than a 7-foot umbrella with a diffusing cover attached but using in such a large light modifier in a small home studio is quite a challenge.

In this video, photographer Gavin Hoey uses the 7’ Westcott umbrella to create three different looks. Starting with the goal of achieving a soft but evenly illuminated portrait, Gavin shares some helpful hints on the right way and the wrong way to use a softbox that’s as big as his subject.

Next Gavin changes the light position so it’s a large overhead light source and creates some beautifully lit portraits from a single flash. Finally, Gavin moves the 7’ softbox to the side to feather the light and give the large light source some controllable direction.

Timestamps and Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:12 The WRONG way to use a large softbox
2:20 The right way to make an evenly lit portrait
3:33 A large softbox for soft, flexible portrait lighting
4:23 Overhead lighting with a large softbox
6:31 Large, overhead softbox photo session
7:21 Feathering the light from a large softbox
8:34 Large, feathered softbox photo session
9:24 Conclusions and Subscribe

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✘ PRODUCTS USED:

Westcott 7 Feet Silver Parabolic Umbrella

Westcott 4631D Umbrella Diffuser for Parabolic Umbrella

OM SYSTEM OM-1

OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro II

Lexar Professional 1667x 64GB SDXC UHS-II/U3 Memory Card

Flashpoint XPLOR 300 Pro

Flashpoint R2 Pro Transmitter

Kupo 20" Master Raiser C-Stand

Flashpoint 10’ C-Stand and Grip Arm

Tether Tools Pro 16' USB 2.0 Active Extension Cable

Sekonic L-308 Flash Meter

Manfrotto 5x7' Vintage Collapsible Background, Smoke/Concrete

Westcott 8x8' X-Drop Pro Wrinkle-Resistant Backdrop Kit with Stand

Westcott 8x8' X-Drop Pro Fabric Backdrop, Grunge Concrete

#lightingtutorial #softbox #adorama

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Model: Chloe Kerley

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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!

[ikayrocksmusic]

That intro tutorial with the sock is PREMIUM content

[wendystumbaugh]

I love how you put the sock on before opening the umbrella! I’ve always wrangled with it after opening the umbrella! Ooof! Lol

[rony]

The best teacher in photogaphy to date and its free.

[MrSimonj]

You're extremely good at photography and teaching Gavin; a rare mix! I love your style and I've learned tons from you over the years, many thanks.

[ecko]

Gavin, you're the best photography presenter bar none. Thanks for the many, many years of the best content. ❤

[saskelee]

in fifteen second you taught me something i have been struggling with for over 8 years 0:00

[frankc]

B&W for the last ones. Color for the first batch, which are stunning

[MunchyToy]

As a Leeds United supporter living in Queensland, Australia, Gavin's superb videos are not only more effective but far cheaper than traditional counselling. Thank you for your service to humanity.

[oshcan]

Both color and B&W were great! I prefer the color.Beautiful blends of blues.

[AadityaSherpa]

love to see this combo Gavin and Chloe

[TasteofTaboo]

I use a 7foot umbrella with diffusion all the time when doing on location portraits from business people for magazine.
With a white interior they are much more even - but most of the time I use the silver with a ad200pro and the diffusion dome on in inside the umbrella. The light is as nice as from a softbox the same size, but big enough to light 2, 3 or 5 people at the same time. And it packs nice and it is fast, which is the most important part of these assignments. I can change super fast the location.

[stupendously_creative]

You made this video the correct time, I just bought the westcott 7’ umbrella. Great video Gavin

[piotrplaskon]

Gavin is the best! Always so informative and down to earth when explaning anything. Greetings from Scotland!

[EdwardKilner]

Always partial to colour, but the black and white were very nicely dramatic. I enjoyed this video, Thanks!

[malcolmlyons]

Thanks so much Gavin! Really appreciate your videos & style of teaching... no Ego, and SO muck good info in one short video... Showing how the photo looks when it's "bad" is GOLD! Then teaching, how to put the diffuser on easily; comparison of 7Ft & 25 Inch helps heaps; referral to Inverse Square: Feathering (could have explained a 'little' more for those who don't understand it); great info on shadows, etc - That was a jam-packed video... Thank you so much!

[sjgraafmans]

Allways great content for any level of photographers. A pleasure to watch any video you make.

[happymystic]

Fabulous video of a real dream team. Instructive and entertaining, just about the right combination.

[rayasiala]

I picked up an umbrella, not quite as big as that with the soft box for it. I’ve been terrified to use it but now, after watching you do it I cannot wait to get back into my little tiny studio and give it a go! Your videos are very inspiring. Thank you so much!

[neddanison]

Thank you Gavin! I've been watching your videos over the years, and everything I know about portraits I learned from you!

[garyadams]

Black and white is my preference here. Great Video Mr. Hoey!