Utilizing soft light in child portraits

As a professional photographer specializing in child portraits, I have found that soft light is essential to creating stunning black-and-white portraits. The light's softness helps minimize harsh shadows, resulting in a more flattering and natural-looking image. In this post, I would like to share with you how I use soft light and why I prefer using a round softbox over a square one.

First and foremost, it's important to understand the relationship between the light source's size and the shadows' softness. A larger light source, such as a softbox, creates softer shadows than a smaller one. This is because a larger light source distributes light over a larger area, creating a more gradual transition from light to shadow. So, when photographing children, I use a large softbox to achieve a soft and flattering look.

When it comes to choosing a softbox, there are many options available on the market. However, I prefer using a round softbox over a square one. This is because a round softbox creates more natural-looking catchlights in the eyes. Catch lights are the reflections of the light source in the eyes, adding a spark of life to the portrait. I think round catchlights look more like the natural reflection of the sun, whereas square catchlights can look a bit artificial.

Click here to see the softbox I use for my portraiture!

Of course, the shape of the catch lights isn't the only consideration when choosing a softbox. The diffuser's size, material, and quality are also important factors to consider. Personally, I prefer using a softbox with a high-quality diffuser material that evenly distributes the light and minimizes hot spots. I also prefer a softbox that's easy to set up and adjust, as I often need to move it around during a shoot.

In conclusion, soft light is essential to creating beautiful black-and-white child portraits. Using a larger light source, such as a round softbox, I can create soft, flattering shadows that enhance the child's natural beauty. So, if you're looking to take stunning child portraits, I highly recommend investing in a high-quality softbox and experimenting with different lighting techniques until you find the perfect look.