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  2. Patrick Nagle



    Making a Softbox

    Hi there, Pat Nagle here with a new do it yourself project. Whether you’re on a tight budget or just bored and need something to do, I have a great new way to enhance your images. Today we will be making a softbox, but what is a softbox? Basically, it is a light modifier by directing your main light source through a diffusing material. Of course, there are all types of products out there to be purchased made specifically for this reason. But today, we’ll save some dough and bring out a few materials to achieve the same effect.

    © Patrick Nagle

    Here is what we will be needing:

    • Large cardboard
    • Tape
    • Aluminum foil
    • Glue
    • Diffused paper roll
    • Black spray paint

    In this tutorial, I’ll explain how to create a 30x25 inch softbox, but this method will work for any size. Just remember to keep in mind the proportions in order to make it correctly. First of all, you need to draw the four sides of the softbox in trapezoid shape. The first two sides will be the large ones, and then the other two the short ones. The lower part of the trapezoid will be 30 inches long. The side walls have a 45º angle. The upper part of the shape will be the length of your flash head, in my case, it's 3 inches. Next, repeat the process again to have the two large sides of the softbox. Afterwards, it's time for the short sides. The lower part is 25 inches long, and the upper one, the height of your flash head. At this point, the angle of the sides is not so important, it's a little more than 60º, but to make it easier, simply use the length of the sides of the walls you made before.

    Now that you have the four sides of the softbox; two large and two small ones, it's time to cut the cardboard carefully. Remember to leave a small amount of cardboard in the upper part, about 2-3 inches long, because that's where the flash goes. Cut every piece using a cutter, and place the finished ones aside. Once you have everything cut, use some glue and cover every piece of cardboard with aluminum foil (but only one side). You can use aluminum tape along the borders to fix it more securely. This part will reflect the light of the flash, making it stronger and more powerful. Just in case, use two layers of aluminum foil, to ensure everything will stay intact for a long time. Once you have everything in order, it's time to assemble the softbox. The order is very simple. First, take a large side, then a short one, then the other large one, and finally the remaining side. Tape it well and glue it, with a large amount of glue and tape, just to secure every part, so that it won't tear apart. Next apply what will diffuse your light. I used a translucent paper roll, but anything that your light can travel through will work; wax paper, bed sheet, white t-shirt, etc. The softbox is now all done. You could use the black spray paint and make it a bit more professional looking, but other than that, it is all done and time to test it out.

    This makes for a great DIY project because it is relatable to make any size you want. The larger the diffusor, the softer our light will be so a 30x25 softbox that we have here will make for some great portraits. I hope you have enjoyed this month’s project, until next time!

    © Patrick Nagle