Anyone using LumiQuest's mini softbox?

[stormrider]

I rarely ever use flash generally because the kinds of shots I usually take (concert) is better without flash or flash is not permitted and also because I don't know how to properly use flash outside of fully automatic mode. Anyway, sometimes I do non-concert stuff like just any events I see around involving people and I saw this mini softbox and just made a impulse purchase but now, how do I use it? LOL

I mean the "manual" is so sketchy but I think I can see how to attach the thing onto my flash, but now what? I was thinking of going to this covergirl competion and was wondering if this mini softbox might help me get better shots. But how do I use it? Do I have to make any extra adjustments to my settings? How far away from the subject can or should I be? This event will be outside in an uncovered stage around 4pm so it will be really bright outside still, but might be some shade because of the tall buildings and I should be able to walk around the perimeter of the stage freely as the covergirls pose and stuff. Thanks for any suggestions.

[another view]

I've got one and used it a few times. It's made a slight difference; one that photographers would see but I'm not sure about the rest of the world. You're making your light source bigger but not by much and it'll still be far enough away that it really won't make much of a difference in the final shot. They're really made for social event photography (wedding reception, corporate function) where typically shots are of one person or a small group of people and taken between about 6-10' or so away. Lumiquest makes a lot of different things for this type of situation and so do others.

If you're in TTL auto mode with flash then you shouldn't need to do anything. Be aware that by diffusing the light you won't get as much distance out of your flash though. Experiment with it but if it's a fairly powerful shoe-mounted flash, 15' or so shouldn't be any problem.

If you're outside at 4:00, I probably wouldn't bother with it though. I'd use flash, but I don't think that softbox will make any real difference.

[stormrider]

I've got one and used it a few times. It's made a slight difference; one that photographers would see but I'm not sure about the rest of the world. You're making your light source bigger but not by much and it'll still be far enough away that it really won't make much of a difference in the final shot. They're really made for social event photography (wedding reception, corporate function) where typically shots are of one person or a small group of people and taken between about 6-10' or so away. Lumiquest makes a lot of different things for this type of situation and so do others.

If you're in TTL auto mode with flash then you shouldn't need to do anything. Be aware that by diffusing the light you won't get as much distance out of your flash though. Experiment with it but if it's a fairly powerful shoe-mounted flash, 15' or so shouldn't be any problem.

If you're outside at 4:00, I probably wouldn't bother with it though. I'd use flash, but I don't think that softbox will make any real difference.

Thanks for the info and tips, you've answered my immediate questions, and with this in mind I'll try to go into "experiment" mode.