Softboxes are some of the most common studio light modifiers you’ll encounter in photography. They’re inexpensive, they’re simple to use, and for many photographers they’re some of the most essential pieces of kit they own. Whether you’re using an expensive set of studio strobes or the cheapest flashgun you could find, a softbox can be your best friend when it comes to producing flattering photography lighting.
A softbox is a pretty simple concept at heart – it’s a box that softens light. It is placed over the light source in order to filter the light it produces through a translucent material. This makes the light less harsh and directional, spreading it over a greater area for a subtler, more flattering effect, which is what we mean when we talk about ‘softening’ light.
