BMX Indoor Lighting Question

[asoupley]

I've been taking photos at our local BMX tracks for a couple of years now. At the indoor track, I have started using off-camera flash due to the horrible lighting. With the ceilings being 30+ feet up and dark, and everything else being dirt, direct flash is pretty much the only way to go. Not liking the harsh shadows that straight direct flash creates, I tried out my 24" softbox attached to my 580ex ii flash.

My questions is this: I love the results that I am getting from my softbox, but realize that this is not the proper use of a softbox obviously. I was just wondering if there was another light modifier I should be trying that might get me similar or better results while being more efficient at throwing light. Typically the light is about 4-6 feet from the rider (sometimes more). I have attached a recent example.

Thanks for any help you guys can give!

-Tony

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by asoupley

My questions is this: I love the results that I am getting from my softbox, but realize that this is not the proper use of a softbox obviously. I was just wondering if there was another light modifier I should be trying that might get me similar or better results while being more efficient at throwing light. Typically the light is about 4-6 feet from the rider (sometimes more). I have attached a recent example.

If you love the results then it IS the right modifier...
You could use a more efficient modifier like silver umbrella, you'd probably want something large that will throw a wide pattern like a 60" umbrella.
Another light to provide some fill might be nice too.

[asoupley]

Thanks Zona. I think I'll try an umbrella just to see what it looks like. Thankfully, its indoors so I don't have to worry about the wind...

[danbaileyphoto]

Not sure why you think this is not the right use for a softbox. As Zona pointed out, if YOU like it, then it ABSOLUTELY IS THE RIGHT USE for that particular piece of gear.

Many times the best images are created by photographers who use gear in unconventional ways. In this case, I'd say your 24" softbox is giving you great results. Plus, the advantage of using a somewhat small to medium light modifier is that you can "Go Fast With Light," which helps you move around, shoot quickly and get shots that using bigger, more cumbersome gear may not allow.

Throwing light further means zooming the flash, but that won't necessarily give you bigger light, in fact it will be more direct with stronger shadows. The 24" softbox will throw it pretty far, but you may end up trading recycle time for distance and power.

Cool shot, BTW!