Softboxes come in a range of shapes and sizes. Here we needed to experiment with three different boxes in the studio: a strip bank, an octobank, and a 2×3 foot softbox. Here I photographed the solemnity of a noose in the following order:
1) Strip bank
2) 2×3 Softbox
3) Octobank
And my preferred choice with this subject? The strip bank highlights the noose on camera right, creating more contrast and thus more drama. Which is your favorite?
Location: SCCA Studios, Seattle, WA
Camera/Lens Specifics: Canon 5D Mark II with Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens
100mm, 1/25 sec at f/2.8, ISO 100, tripod mount.
Post: Adobe LR3 & PS5
Cameron Karsten's Imaginarium 
I tend to lean generally towards the Octobank, however, I would use a different background – particularly an “Avadon” white (blownout, but not wrapping around too much) to contrast for drama. The contrasting surfaces of the rope are more “evil” to me than the evenness of the strip box.
Very nice post to demonstrate the differences between the three softboxes.
I’m preferring the Octobank too…. there’s something about it where I feel like I see deeper into the noose… thank you – interesting shoot.
I agree. The image in the strip bank pops out with a more natural allegiance to the rope’s color and texture. Also has a softer feeling to it, which I like, Sally
I’m caught between the strip bank and the Octobank – I like the contrast, like you said, from the strip bank, but the darkness of the Octobank fits the tone of the subject matter better for me.
excellent points altogether, you just won a logo new reader. What would you recommend about your post that you made some days in the past? Any certain?