I recently was able to try out a new lighting tool, a 59″ deep rotalux octabank. The smaller version, the 39″ deep octabank is one of my favorite softboxes ever. This box has a deep profile and adds just a little more edgy look to the light, somewhere between a softbox and beauty dish. While the new version has the same profile in a bigger box, it also rigs the light to shoot into the back of the softbox before it projects through the front of the box. If you have ever used the famous 74″ Elinchrom Octabank, you know how soft this light is. I first used the 59″ inverse octa for a mountain biking portrait, and was very impressed with the light. Softer than the 39″ direct deep octa, but still retaining the specular quality I like in this light. Nikon D300s, 14-24mm, 1/250 at f14.
Going from outdoor to indoor settings, I used the inverse octa in a clam shell beauty set up. This was a great light to add soft wrap around light from above, but still add some edge to the shot. This new light is going to be very versatile in where I use it. Nikon D3, 85mm 1.4, 1/200 at f16.
Also did a basketball image using a familiar style I like for edgy portraits. I used a 27″ square rotalux softbox with a grid on it for the light. This was positioned on an overhead boom arm to cast strong shadows from above. A slower shutter speed and high ISO was used to burn in the dim light in the gym. Nikon D3, 24-70mm, 1/160 at F7.1. ISO 400