Lighting & Studio Equipment

Light Modifiers

Light modifiers can play to a photograph’s style just as much lens choice and camera settings do. I tend to prefer edgier light most of the time, but when I am looking to create an image with softer light I go with big round modifiers. As such, I prefer to use small round light modifiers (beauty dish) and large round modifiers (Large Octa, 43″ parabolic, and 7′ parabolic umbrellas), at the small and large end of the modifier size spectrum. I prefer rectangular modifiers in the middle, as they are very versatile, and I can position them horizontally for more wrap, or vertically for more top to bottom coverage. I also think about catch lights when selecting a light modifier. A round beauty dish creates classic round catch lights in the subject’s eyes. A rectangular modifier creates catch lights that look like the light is coming from a window. One can even place gaffer’s tape on a rectangular modifier, to create the illusion of window panes. Here are my light modifier picks:

Roscoe Cinefoil

Cinefoil is great to have around as it can be molded into non-flammable (important!) barn doors and flags. I don’t recommend taping any type of flammable material to your lights for obvious reasons – use this instead. Also great for blacking out windows.

Gaffer Tape

A must have. Just Google “Gaffer Tape”.

Westcott Rapid Box Deflector Plate XL

This plate helps to eliminate softbox hot spots by diffusing the light from within the softbox. Compatible with Rapid Box Switch 1×3, 1×4, 2×3, 3×4, and Octa-M and -L modifiers.

Rapid Box Switch Bowens Mount Insert

You’ll need to purchase this insert if you use any of the Westcott Rapid Box Switch light modifiers with an FJ80 speedlight, FJ200 strobe, or any other studio light that requires a Bowens mount. (Note: The FJ400 strobe comes with this insert, so you don’t need to purchase it separately.) If you want to use the Rapid Box Switch modifiers with a non-Bowen mount strobe, Westcott makes several other types of inserts. If you have any questions about which insert you need, just give Westcott customer service a call – they are great!

Westcott Beauty Dish Switch (Joel Grimes)

The first modifier I purchased. It creates beautiful light, is versatile, and it is collapsible and easy to transport.

Westcott Beauty Dish Switch Egg Crate Grid

Westcott Rapid Box Switch 1×4 Stripbank Softbox

Westcott Rapid Box Switch 1×4 Stripbank Softbox Egg Crate Grid

Westcott Rapid Box Switch 2×3 Softbox

Westcott Rapid Box Switch 2×3 Softbox Egg Crate Grid

This Westcott Rapid Box Switch 2×3 modifier is another great first or second softbox purchase if you are on a tight budget. Consider spending the money on a softbox such as this one, and then purchase a couple of parabolic umbrellas to use as round modifiers. Umbrellas are inexpensive, and the light can be softened by bouncing the light through a diffusion cover, or by shooting through the umbrella. I often prefer the light I get from umbrellas as it is softer than that of a beauty dish, but a bit edgier than that of a softbox.

Westcott Rapid Box Switch 3×4 Softbox

Westcott Rapid Box Switch 3×4 Softbox Egg Crate Grid

Westcott 43″ Collapsible White Parabolic Umbrella with Removable Black Cover

This umbrella can be used as a bounce umbrella or a shoot-through umbrella, as it features a removable black cover.

Westcott Rapid Box Switch Octa-L Softbox

Westcott Rapid Box Switch Octa-L Egg Crate Grid

This softbox is 48″ in diameter and is very versatile. It can also be used as a large beauty dish by adding a Westcott XL Deflector Plate (sold separately.)

Westcott 7′ Parabolic Umbrella Bundle

If you think you will purchase at least two of the 7′ Parabolic umbrellas listed below, consider purchasing this bundle. The bundle is essentially a “buy two get one free” deal.

Westcott 7′ White Diffusion Parabolic Umbrella

Works great as both a strobe light modifier and a scrim in mid-day sun. Creates beautiful, diffuse light.

Westcott 7′ Silver/Black Parabolic Umbrella

I prefer the Silver/Black Parabolic Umbrella to the White/Black Parabolic umbrella. But again, my style is a bit edgier, so if you like a softer light, you may prefer the white/black 7′ umbrella.

Westcott 7′ White/Black Parabolic Umbrella

Westcott 7′ Parabolic Umbrella Diffusion Cover

5-in-1 Light Reflector

I like the Neewer light reflectors for both their quality and price. Impact and Westcott reflectors are good too, but they can be a bit more expensive. You can purchase 5-in-1 light reflectors in several different sizes and shapes, and I suggest purchasing them in matching pairs. Some of these reflectors also have handles that make them easy to hold and allow you to attach them to a light stand or tripod arm via 1/4″ screw threads.

V-Flats

These light modifiers are rather expensive, but they fold and are therefore quite portable given their size. They are also versatile and convenient. A nice-to-have that can be roughly reproduced for less money with foam core and gaffer tape. If you can’t bring yourself to spring for V-Flats, check with local art supply stores, sign companies, or grip equipment companies to see if they carry large pieces of black and white foam core.