A softbox is used to redirect diffused light from a flash during photography shoots.
A softbox is a photography lighting device that generates soft light in low-lit areas. It can be used to generate lights during photography shoots when lighting is not ideal or needs to be redirected. A softbox can be made from basic homemade materials at a low cost and in relatively short period of time.
Instructions
1. Draw a straight line on one side of the cardboard material that is 30 inches long.
2. Measure the upper part of the trapezoid to be equivalent to the width of the flash head of your camera, which is typically about three inches long.
3. Use the trapezoid to measure a 45-degree angle. Draw a straight line up from the bottom corner of the trapezoid on each side while keeping the 45-degree angle.
4. Determine the point at which the angled lines are nearly three inches apart. Draw a straight line parallel to the bottom line to connect the two lines together.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 to create a second large trapezoid.
6. Draw a straight line on a section of cardboard that is 25 inches long.
7. Measure the upper part of the trapezoid to be equivalent to the height of the flash head of your camera. This will be the upper line of the small trapezoid.
8. Measure the length of the angled sides on the previously drawn large trapezoids. Use that length for the sides of the small trapezoid. Draw two lines at equivalent angles up from the bottom line until they meet the upper line at the appropriate distance.
9. Repeat steps 7 through 9 for another small trapezoid on a new section of cardboard.
10. Cut the cardboard sections out for the four trapezoids. Leave a few inches along the upper part where the flash belongs.
11. Spread glue over each section of the cardboard. Cover the sections with foil on one side of the cardboard.
12. Tape a 2-inch piece of velcro to the top of one of the small trapezoids. Tape a 6-inch piece of velcro to the top of the other small trapezoid.
13. Assemble the softbox by joining together one each of the large and small trapezoids. Tape the two pieces together, securing them by using a combination of glue and tape. Add the other two sides one-by-one, taping and gluing each.
14. Tape the top portion of the box where the flash will go to build stability to the softbox.
15. Paint the outside of the softbox black and let it dry.
16. Make some holes in the the middle of one of the short sides and attach the L-shaped bracket to the soft box using screws and nuts.
17.Roll diffusion paper out on the floor. Place the softbox face down on the paper and cut it to fit the opening of the flash box. Glue the diffusion paper to the face of the softbox.
18. Insert the L bracket into the flash mount to hold the softbox on the tripod.
19. Place the flash gently inside the opening on the back of the softbox and use the velcro straps to hold the flash in place.
Tags: Draw straight, Draw straight line, small trapezoid, straight line, inches long
