Calculate the light quality, shadow softness, and coverage area for any softbox or modifier. Find the ideal modifier size for your subject and shooting distance — and see how moving the light changes everything.
Modifier type
Softbox
Very soft, even
Octabox
Soft, round catch
Umbrella shoot-thru
Soft, wrapping
Umbrella reflective
Medium soft
Beauty dish
Snappy, defined
Bare bulb / reflector
Hard, dramatic
Modifier size and distance
Leave blank if using preset above
Please check your inputs.
Light quality
Soft
0x
Relative size ratio
0 deg
Subtended angle
0 sq ft
Coverage at subject
Side view — modifier to subject
Inverse square law — light intensity at different distances
Double the distance = 1/4 the light intensity (2 stops less). Move light closer for more light — not just higher power.
Recommendations for your setup
All modifier sizes — light quality at 5ft distance
Modifier sizeRatio to subjQualityMove to get soft
Modifier
Light-to-subject distance
Subject width
Relative size ratio
Light quality rating
To get soft light: move to
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