SKILL: Studio Softbox Setups

Version: 1.0 | Hermes Agent Lighting System

DESCRIPTION

Professional studio lighting using softbox-modified strobes or continuous sources. Defines precise key/fill/rim ratios based on subject type (portrait, beauty, fashion, product). Covers softbox sizes, positioning angles, and shadow control for flattering, dimensional illumination.

TRIGGER KEYWORDS

softbox, studio lighting, key light, fill light, rim light, studio portrait, beauty lighting, fashion lighting, clamshell lighting, butterfly lighting, Rembrandt setup, loop lighting, split lighting, studio setup, strobe, continuous light

CORE RULES

• Key light size determines shadow quality: small softbox = harder shadows, large = softer wrap
• Lighting ratios: 1:1 (beauty, flat), 2:1 (commercial), 3:1 (portrait drama), 4:1+ (noir/dramatic)
• Octaboxes produce round catchlights — the beauty standard; strip boxes produce elongated specular
• Clamshell = two softboxes above and below face: shadow-free beauty with eye sparkle
• Rim/hair light separates subject from background — always 1–2 stops brighter than key
• Background light is independent: set separately from subject lighting
• Specify catchlight shape in eye as quality control: round = octabox, rectangular = large softbox