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

The assignment here was to create a commercial portrait focusing on butterfly lighting.  To do this you place the key light directly in front and above the subject’s nose in order to create a shadow effect directly underneath the nose that resembles a butterfly.  Three other lights were used in this portrait of an “Arctic Explorer”; a fill light to camera right nearest the camera, a hairlight at three-quarters rear camera right, and a background light on a black seamless at camera left 90 degrees from the subject.

Location: SCCA Studios, Seattle, WA

Model: Sean Sweeney (Sweendo)

Camera/Lens Specifics: Canon 5D Mark II with Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens

93mm, 1/60 sec at f/2.8, ISO 100, tripod mount.

Post: Adobe LR3 & PS5