What’s the difference between an umbrella and a soft box?
Umbrellas have an angle of illumination of about 120 degrees. Soft boxes are much more directional and have an angle of about 40 to 60 degrees. White umbrellas produce a very broad soft light. Silver umbrellas are also a broad light source, but are more contrasty. Silver umbrellas are 1/2 to 1 f stop brighter than a white umbrella. Soft boxes also produce soft light but the angle of illumination is much narrower and much more directional. Umbrellas can be used for everything from individual portraits to large groups. Soft boxes are best for individual portraits, smaller group shots and still lifes. The closer umbrellas and soft boxes are to the subject, the softer the illumination.
