Small Camera Softbox
Waleed (539 pencils) | Sat, 2005-08-13 23:40I've always wanted to reach a special effect in mind for portraits at home or on the move that I was only able to achieve using studio lighting.
Last night, I made a drawing of a softbox that attaches on the small flash and experimented with the different diffusers until I reached the effect I wanted.
(Image settings Camera=ISO 100 - 1/200 - f/2.0. Flash=1/128. Lens=135mm)
When I reached the desired effect, I cut a clean pizza box to the measurements and assembled the softbox (or diffuser). At the end I used a semitransparent paper as the diffuser and rubber-bands to make the softbox stay on the flash head.
I was thinking of painting it black on the outside, but I'm noticing the cardboard material is not as sturdy as I wished. I guess I'll need to assemble a plastic one for durability in the near future.
Here are the drawings if anybody needs them:
http://creativebits.org/files/550EX-softbox.zip
I know the drawings are for the Canon Speedlite 550EX, but at least you can get an idea of what I did. Perhaps you can make revision for your own flash. The idea itself is not new, you can find similar products on the net for around $15. But it's fun to make
:)
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That example photo of your son (I'm guessing) is awesome. Great lighting. Thanks for sharing. Can such a softbox be attached to a Flash that is built into an SLR or it has to be a detachable one?
Thanks Ivan, yes that is my son Sulaiman, the youngest of my children. The photo was taken using the cardboard softbox, not the paper one (as the paper one would diffuse light from all directions).
I think the built-in flash is too small and fragile for such an attachment. I wouldn't recommend trying as it was not designed to be handled often with diffusers. A detachable unit is a must for best results and control of the power.
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That is great but you can buy you one very cheaply here:
http://www.lumiquest.com/
Ivan here they have a neat little diffuser for built in flashes too.
_P_o_m_p_o _M_u_l_t_i_m_e_d_i_a
http://www.pompo.com
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You will know fear...Then you will know pain.
Then you will use a Mac.
Fine Art Framed New Orleans Photography
http://www.nolaPIC.com
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You will know fear...Then you will know pain.
Then you will use a Mac.
Thanks man! I don't have the camera yet, I'm just planning my purchase. :/
At this time it's just a rumor, but the word on the street is Canon is going to release the Canon EOS 5D with a full frame sensor and 13MP with a rumored price of $3500-$4000 around the end of August.
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Unfortunately that's double of my budget. :) I'm looking into a 350D.
Get the 20D Ivan, the price may even drop a bit more...5fps and it still a great camera. I'll pass on the 5D if it is indeed 3fps...I like the 50 ISO tho :)
_P_o_m_p_o _M_u_l_t_i_m_e_d_i_a
http://www.pompo.com
=============================================
You will know fear...Then you will know pain.
Then you will use a Mac.
Fine Art Framed New Orleans Photography
http://www.nolaPIC.com
=============================================
You will know fear...Then you will know pain.
Then you will use a Mac.
Although I have a D70, I did look into the 350D before I made my purchase.
The 350D is a great camera - especially for the price. And from what I've heard from people who own them, they really LOVE their camera!
A D70 is worth considering too, but if you are set on the 350D, you definitely won't be dissapointed.
Check out http://www.photozo.com <-- great digital photography website.
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Josh Stevens | Nautilus7 Design
My CB Blog
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Josh Stevens | My Site
My CB Blog
Yes, I did write that its available for around $15 on the net ;)
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(New guy here, thanks a million for the info on this site.) I've found another little cheap way of diffusing the light...use a coffee filter held on with rubber bands. You can adjust the amount of diffusion by setting it farther away from the lens, and I've since kept one or two in my camera bag just in case.
Welcome to CB and thanks for the coffee filter idea.. I've head that some have also tried the deodorant cap and it served a similar diffuser.. Lot's of ideas to share :)
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For more tips and advice on digital photography check out Waleed's forum too:
http://waleedsgallery.biz/digitaleye/index.php