Should you use a softbox, or an umbrella? Even though they serve similar purposes, which is to provide a larger light source (thereby softer light), there are several key differences between a softbox and an umbrella.

Softbox

This is the ideal light shaping tool for portraits, because of its versatility in controlling light spill. If you are shooting inside a small room, a softbox enables you to control the spill of light. This means that the subject (the person or object you are photographing) is illuminated in soft light, while the background (walls/ceiling/floor) receives minimal, if any, light spill or light contamination. This is useful for shooting portraits that require a darker or even pitch black background. Yes, you can even create a pitch black background without the use of a black backdrop. What you need is a grid for your softbox.

A softbox makes creating flattering portraits very easy. You can use it as a key light, fill light or even a hair light. It all depends on the lighting conditions at the location you are shooting.

There are several types of very portable softboxes that you can get. Get the largest one available, as it produces the softest light. I am currently using a Speedlight SoftBox which is surprisingly effective. It folds down to a very portable size, and takes only 5 minutes to set up. The softbox has 2 baffles to filter and soften light even further.

Umbrella

The umbrella’s distinct advantage is portability and mobility. You can bring several umbrellas on an outdoor shoot without any inconvenience. When opened, they provide beautiful soft light, by converting your light (speedlight or a more powerful monolight with battery pack) to a larger light source. Watch out for flying umbrellas though! I’ve had several umbrellas destroyed because they caught the wind and brought my entire light stand down. Use your camera bags to secure the base of your light stand when shooting outdoors.

What the umbrella lacks in comparison to a softbox is control of light spill. When used indoors, an umbrella lights up a large part of the room, decreasing your control over how dark your background can be.

There are also different types of umbrellas. A shoot-through (my favorite) is a translucent white umbrella which your light shoots through and onto the subject. The umbrella shaft is pointed away from the subject, thereby reducing any chances of it accidentally injuring your subject. The other type is a reflective umbrella, where your light shoots into, and then bounces back onto the subject. This type of umbrella inevitably has its shaft pointing at the subject, so you can’t really go in as close as a shoot-through umbrella would allow. The closer you get to the subject, the softer the light. As the light wraps around the subject, it reduces harsh shadows.

A good choice of umbrella would be the 2-in-1 umbrella, which enables you to remove the black backing to create a shoot-through umbrella. If you prefer a reflective umbrella, just put the black backing on. This versatility will keep your lighting kit portable and easy to manage.

Lighting Techniques for Portraits

Find out more about portrait lighting techniques with the best-selling ebooks SimpleSLR Portrait Lighting Guide. If you get the whole bundle, you also get Portrait Recipes Volumes 1 to 3. Learn techniques for speedlight and available light portraiture now.