THE BEST LIGHTING MODIFIER UNDER $100

Ah, yes. The Photek Softlighter. The lighting modifier of legends. This is a silver bounce umbrella that comes with a diffuser to double diffuse your light. It's some of the softest light I've ever seen!

But the best part, is the price. A 36" Softlighter will set you back just under $100 AUD from B&H. The 46" is around $120 and the big kahuna of Softlighters, the 60" is around the $160 mark. A softbox is at least double that price, what a bargain!

Even Annie Leibovitz gives it the nod. Most of the time I've seen one of her assistants holding it on a Manfrotto 122B Adjustable Pole or a larger boom stand. This means they can get the light nice and close to their subject but also keep it fluid. I mean, the subject can move and the assistant can move with them. Don't worry if you don't have an assistant, a well positioned light stand will do just fine.

Annie Leibovitz photographing Keith Richards

Keith Richards by Annie Leibovitz for Louis Vuitton