Steve, just finished your book on SoftBoxes - nice job! I'm ready to invest in some softboxes and would like your advice on how I should go. First, I have 2Photogenic PowerLight 2500's and 2 older style Flashmaster units. My thought was to use the Flashmaster for hair and background light and the two Powerlights for main and fill. My question is what sizes of softboxes would you recommend? Assuming I would be photographing from 1 - 4 people. Would a 36x48 for a main and a 24x32 for fill be a good choice? What sort of diffuser would you use for a hair light as I assume that it would be different if lighting 1 vs 4 people or could one 12x36 be used on all? There are some pretty wide price gaps between the makers of these boxes - is there much difference in light quailty if I stay with, Chimera, Westcott, Photogenic? I really appreciate your words of wisdom (it saves me a lot of money in the long run).

Hi,

Thanks for your comments. The choice ofa softbox really depends on what you plan to do most. I find the 3'X4' box to be extremely versatile and will probably fit most of your needs. Stan lights his groups beautifully with this softbox. Perhaps he can chime in on what he uses for a fill. The Strip could work for a hair light if it is positioned properly.

I can't comment on the manufacturers because I haven't done a compaison. I've been happy with Photoflex gear for years.