Help, what new studio light to buy?

[UKBob]

I dont know whats on offer, and am lost in the sea of heads and other things which I know nothing about, but what I'd like in an ideal world, is:

A small softbox on an arm, which can be positioned directly above the subjects im shooting on a table top, which flashes on the background behind the subject from an angle which (because it is above the subject) is perfectly aligned with the background, ie head on.

The light wouldnt touch the subject
The light would serve to blow out the background, evenly, ie not from the side
The light would not be powerful, and would be adjustable
The light would be soft, and diffused

purpose: Simply to blow out white backgrounds as gently as possible. I dont want to go back to the light tent (ever) but wish to continue shooting on white.

As I see it, if Im to take better "on white" shots than everyone else at shutterstock/ fotolia then I need to steer clear of the light tent which leaves images too flat, and save time by blowing out white backgrounds gently on set rather than in PS.

Is there such a thing as a mini tabletop softbox which acts as a slave that doesnt cost the earth, which I can buy?

Edited by UKBob on Tuesday 14th November 23:20

[CarMac]

[megy]

Mine would be ideal for this, they are small, light and would be possible to set up in such a way to blow the background from the position you say.

[bacchus180]

if you are using bowen lighting.. why not just buy some additional softboxes and a rig to support them?

[UKBob]

I could buy another bowens softbox. Ian, Im still not sure if Im ready to buy just yet, but the more I think about it the more I think Id rather have another bowens light to complete the setup (rather than something else) unless of course I can find a "something else" which is considerably smaller. I guess they dont make mini softboxes.

[megy]

UKBob said:

I could buy another bowens softbox. Ian, Im still not sure if Im ready to buy just yet, but the more I think about it the more I think Id rather have another bowens light to complete the setup (rather than something else) unless of course I can find a "something else" which is considerably smaller. I guess they dont make mini softboxes.

Well if you already have bowens it would be advisable to match like for like. As for a softbox, you wont get it from bowens, but there are some 20cm x 20 cm, 60cm x 60 cm or so that you can be a bit more directional i have even seen some 100cm x 40 cm that is ideal for doing table top work. ebay

[UKBob]

Thanks for that Ian, I didnt realise they came in different aspect ratios regarding size.

[megy]

UKBob said:

Thanks for that Ian, I didnt realise they came in different aspect ratios regarding size.

Yeah, lots of different sizes, I know prolinca(sp) do a very nice 20cm x 80cm, will easily fit Bowens too, but they aint cheap.

I am after a nice big octagonal one for studio glamour work, get nice catchlights in the eyes, cant think where on a burger would produce them though, tee hee.

[UKBob]

megy said:

UKBob said:

Thanks for that Ian, I didnt realise they came in different aspect ratios regarding size.

Yeah, lots of different sizes, I know prolinca(sp) do a very nice 20cm x 80cm, will easily fit Bowens too, but they aint cheap.

I am after a nice big octagonal one for studio glamour work, get nice catchlights in the eyes, cant think where on a burger would produce them though, tee hee.

Burgers only show catch lights when they are wet