Modifiers are accessories that have accompanied studio photography since its inception - photographers have been seeking ways to adjust light for many decades, using solutions offered by well-known manufacturers as well as DIY accessories. But why are they used? What effects do they produce? Is it better to buy an umbrella or a softbox? Find out in our today's blog post!

Quick Navigation:

• Types of Light Modifiers
• Softboxes
• Umbrellas
• Reflectors
• Beauty Dishes
• Snoots
• Grids and Honeycombs

Light is the most crucial factor in photography – when you press the shutter button on a camera, you are capturing its reflections on various objects. However, it is not always ideal, and its characteristics can leave much to be desired. Often, we would like to adjust it in such a way that it produces effects in line with the vision of a given photo session, for example, softening the natural, harsh sunlight or the flash from a reporter and studio lamp. But how to achieve this? With the help of light modifiers! In today's article, we aim to introduce you to their types and outline the most important similarities and differences between them, thus making it easier to choose the right accessories for the studio or outdoor work.

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Types of Light Modifiers

There are endless ways to modify light – their purpose is to adjust the light beam according to the artistic vision of a film or photo session. Enthusiastic amateurs and passionate photographers use their creativity to invent new light modification techniques. Not all of them require the purchase of special additions – people with a limited equipment budget often decide to make their own modifiers using home methods. However, professional work on set requires reliable and proven solutions that allow precise control over the light.

The first patented modifier was introduced in 1939 – its design resembled a combination of a softbox and a beauty dish. Since then, as the photography market has grown, more and more of them have appeared each year, and their designs are constantly being improved. Choosing the right accessory often poses problems under the deluge of available products on the market – light modifiers come in many different types and sizes, and each of them allows for obtaining different effects in the photo. So how to make a good decision when choosing accessories for the studio or outdoor session? Below, we present you with the most popular types of modifiers, along with their main features and properties – based on this information, you will easily draw appropriate conclusions about the right solutions.

Softboxes

The first discussed type of modifier is the best possible solution for adjusting the light properties to our needs. But what is a softbox for? Its black housing limits the angle of light dispersion, directing it in a specific direction, and the silver material inside additionally strengthens it. The diffuser attached to the front attractively softens the intense light beam, resulting in less contrast shadows in the photo. Softboxes can usually be equipped with an additional honeycomb (grid) that focuses the light even more on the foreground.

Depending on the model, softboxes are assembled in various ways. Until recently, the design of most of them consisted of separate rods – their assembly and disassembly took a lot of time and were often not easy tasks. Although they are still available in photographic stores, mainly due to their lower price, over the years, accessory manufacturers have made efforts to improve their design and use quick folding mechanisms.

A frequently asked question on the internet is "which softbox to choose – octagonal or rectangular?". Contrary to appearances, the shape of the modifier does not significantly affect the final effect. All their differences lie in the details – the octa softbox leaves a naturally looking catchlight in the eye of the photographed person, while rectangular softboxes will look better on portraits of people wearing glasses.

When it comes to softboxes, it's worth remembering that size matters – the larger the modifier used during the photo session, the more diffused the light it will give. However, remember that the surface of the softbox should be appropriately matched to the light source – if you use a reporter lamp, choose among small and medium-sized softboxes. Large modifiers are usually used with strong light sources such as studio flash lamps.

Classic Softboxes
CHECK	Wide range of sizes From 10 to over 200 cm in height Various shapes square, rectangular, hexagonal, and octagonal Relatively shallow in cheaper models, light may cause a "hot spot" effect on the diffuser Attached directly to the lamp the light passes straight through them

Strip Softboxes
CHECK	Extended, narrow design Used for rim light Separates the subject from the background and creates a sense of depth Ideal for clothing photos Covers the entire silhouette of the model with light

Umbrella Softboxes
CHECK	The cheapest type of softbox Lightweight construction Quick folding Thanks to the umbrella mechanism Used with reporter lamps Ideal for strobing Small tilt range

Parabolic Softboxes
CHECK	Deep housing offering even light distribution Precise light control Almost circular shape Available in 16- and 18-sided versions Quick folding and unfolding Designed for studio lamps

Spherical Softboxes
CHECK	Spherical construction Light spreads in all directions Ideal for wide shots as ceiling light

Zoom-Focus Softboxes
CHECK	Two types of mounting Inside and outside the softbox Wide range of sizes Special focusing rod enabling adjustment of light diffusion strength Precise light control Quick folding and unfolding

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Umbrellas

People looking for a good but somewhat cheaper solution for light modification may decide to buy a photographic umbrella. Their prices start at 6 euro – however, it is worth noting that you will have to pay a bit more for good quality accessories. Despite somewhat limited capabilities, they are extremely practical and will take up little space in a bag or storage.

Reflective Umbrellas
CHECK	Silver umbrellas Offer intense, cool light Gold umbrellas Reflect strong warm light White umbrellas Guarantee a neutral effect Possibility to attach a diffuser to create a simple softbox

Diffusive Umbrellas
CHECK	Attractively softens the light Available in two types regular and parabolic No light control the lamp also shines outside the umbrella Possibility to attach black fabric limiting light from behind

Umbrella Softboxes
CHECK	Budget solution for those starting with flash photography Practical 2 in 1 umbrella + diffusing or reflective fabric Does not limit tilt

Parabolic Umbrellas
CHECK	Deep housing precisely directing the light Large sizes from about 1 meter in diameter and up Almost circular shape usually have 16 or 18 rods Possibility to attach a diffuser to create a parabolic softbox

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Reflectors

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The simplest type of modifier Increases the intensity of light flash or continuous light Various reflective surfaces the intensity of the effect depends on the interior of the reflector Wide range of sizes

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Beauty Dishes

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Made of metal larger than standard reflectors Available in two versions white and silver Bounce plate helps in even light distribution Additional diffuser Available in some models Ideal for beauty photos for cosmetics and aesthetic medicine advertisements

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Snoots

Some light modifiers are used with the intention of achieving a special effect – one of them is snoots. Their purpose is to narrow the light beam in such a way that it falls only on a specific part of the photo - for example, only on the face of the photographed person.

Snoots
CHECK	Simple construction Easy to use Often sold with accessories such as grids or color filters

Optical Snoots
CHECK	Construction with optical elements often offer the ability to change the lens Compatible with GOBO attachments allowing creative work with various patterns Light angle adjustment available only in advanced models

Grids and Honeycombs

These types of accessories are most often used with softboxes and beauty dishes. They limit the angle of light spread and precisely direct it to the foreground of the photo - for example, the silhouette of the photographed person - keeping the background dark. Grids are also increasingly used in LED lights.

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Attached with Velcro or magnets depending on their purpose Various grid widths the larger the density, the more they focus the light Made of fabric or aluminum

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