Compact and perfect for doll photography! Super Light Stand Mini & Mini Softbox

Strobe lighting allows you to create beautiful light anytime, anywhere. Strobes, which enable shooting with bright, beautiful light, are also highly recommended for doll photography.
However, many light stands and lighting accessories are sized for humans and can be a bit too large for dolls... If you want to shoot your small dolls without using overly imposing equipment, and prefer something compact for both shooting and carrying, the "Super Light Stand Mini LS-20C" and "Mini Softbox MS-01" are the perfect choice.

The perfect size: "Super Light Stand Mini"

The "Super Light Stand Mini LS-20C," which can accommodate clip-on strobes, is a very compact light stand with a minimum height of 19cm. By combining the included "extender" and "handle" parts, you can freely adjust the height up to a maximum of 103.5cm.

This is a compact light stand perfect for shooting small objects or dolls.

I attached an extender to the stand body and used the included "Free Tilter Mini" to mount an i60A strobe. With the Air10s commander attached to the camera, I first tried simple, direct strobe lighting.

The strobe light produced vibrant, bright, and clear photos. The hard, direct light creates crisp details, reminiscent of sunlight on a clear day. Angling the light from above gives it a natural look.

Using the Free Tilter Mini allows you to fix the light at any angle you like.

Easy to maneuver on a table, and soft on dolls: "Mini Softbox"

Next, let's attach the "Mini Softbox MS-01" to the strobe.

Adjusting to the angle of the subject's face, I positioned the light lower than before. Since I'm shooting a close-up of the upper body, I'll place the softbox a bit closer to the subject.

By using the softbox, the light becomes softer, resulting in a fluffy, smooth, and gentle look.

Comparing the two, direct light gives a lively and bright impression, while the softbox feels mellow and calm. Although the angle of the face and the light are nearly identical, just changing the lighting makes the expressions look different. The fun part of lighting is how you can change the mood of a photo by switching setups to match the subject's atmosphere, outfit, or intended image.

Now, let's add one more strobe.
I will apply direct light from a position slightly behind and to the side of the subject.

Accent light hits the previously shadowed area, creating a sense of depth. The hair sparkles, adding to the bright impression.

Full-body shots with the Mini Softbox

So far we've focused on close-ups, but the Mini Softbox can of course be used for full-body lighting as well.

I used the Mini Softbox in a vertical orientation as the main light, with two direct lights from the back sides as accent lights.

I was able to capture a cool-looking photo with impressive, soft shadows and sparkling accent light.

Super Light Stand Minis were used for all stands. It's convenient to be able to fine-tune the height according to the subject's stature.

Another way to use it: Treating the softbox like a window

A photo with a soft atmosphere, as if taken while snuggled up to a light-filled window. It's not natural light from a window... but this was also taken using the Mini Softbox.

I had the doll sit with her forehead almost touching the Mini Softbox.
By getting closer to the light, the relative size of the light source increases, and the light wraps around from various directions, creating a soft effect. Since the opposite side of the main light falls into shadow, I used an accent light from behind to define the hair.

I think it turned out to be a natural and gentle photo that doesn't feel "strobe-like" in a good way.

Can be used outdoors too! Handheld lighting using the handle

The Super Light Stand Mini includes a "handle" part with a grip. In situations where it's difficult to set up a stand, such as outdoors, you can attach the strobe to the handle for easy handheld lighting.

I hold the camera in my right hand and the strobe on the handle in my left. I adjust the light's angle and position while checking the results.

Both the handle and the Mini Softbox are small and lightweight, making handheld shooting possible. (Even I, a woman, could do it.)

I added one more accent light, aiming it directly at the subject from the top of the stairs.

Because the Super Light Stand Mini has short legs, it can be set up in narrow places like halfway up a staircase.

I was able to capture a cool photo where the inorganic nature of the iron fence looks great.
The strength of the Super Light Stand Mini is its ability to be used with ease in cramped spaces where normal stands are difficult to set up. I was able to shoot with beautiful lighting in a short amount of time without any stress.

Bonus (Mini Deep Umbrella)

As a final bonus... I was also allowed to shoot with a prototype item, the Mini Deep Umbrella, which I was told "please try this too."

The light wrapped around softly and beautifully. Umbrellas are great for bright lighting because the light diffuses easily. It's cute how it creates a round catchlight.
This item is a prototype, so it hasn't been decided if it will be commercialized. They said they might consider releasing it if there are many requests... so if you want one, please send your feedback via social media!

The foldable, small, and lightweight "Super Light Stand Mini" and "Mini Softbox" are a set perfectly sized for doll photography, making it easy to enjoy beautiful lighting.

These are convenient items that allow you to enjoy lighting whether on a table or outdoors. Please give them a try.

Products used in the shoot:

Nissin Digital Super Light Stand LS-20CB

Model: Mirai Suenaga (Smart Doll)
Photography/Writing: Ai Ehara