Using a softbox

[DVX100Shooter]

If I choose to light the subject with a softbox in an 1-on-1 interview. How do I go about blocking some of the light that may spill. For example if I was using a light with barn doors, I could play with the doors in a way to channel the light to hit a certain way then use another light or lights for background effects with gels. It would seem to me that using a large softbox would have the talent and whatever else is in the shot all lit up. I would just want the talent lit.

 

[Barry_Green]

Re: Using a softbox

That is one of the challenges of using soft light. Traditionally soft light has been modified for directionality in two ways (that I can think of): eggcrate fabric, and using black flags (which act like a sort of super-sized barn door).

 

[J_Barnes]

Re: Using a softbox

Diffuse light also falls off quickly, thus if you need to have your subject lit and your background not, the best thing you can do is to provide as much distance as possible between your subject and the background.

Also, as the light is less directional, you can sometimes get away with angling your instrument higher then you would place a lensed instrument, further directing light away from your background.

 

[Barry_S]

Re: Using a softbox

I recommend only buying a softbox that has the front diffusion fabric inset a bit into the box.  The lip will help a lot with spill.  As Barry G already mentioned, a black flag or an eggcrate will be an enormous help in controlling the light.  I like the Photoflex Silverdome NxTs because Photoflex throws in a free set of louvers with the box (at least when you buy from B&H).  They're great, but a bit bulky compared with oh-so-nice-but-expensive eggcrates.