Wedding's, Flash, Diffuser.????

[MagicallyDelicious]

Ive got my first wedding coming up in Aug...Ive seen lots of diffusers for putting on the flash gun but not sure what to go for.

What have you used an swear by?

Also should i use it all the way through the day? Or for what shots would you recommend?

Thanks in advance.

Sarah :D

[OdiN1701]

I really like the Lumiquest SoftBox I just got...

If you can use bounce, do that rather than a modifier, but if you have nothing to bounce from (outdoor wedding, etc.) then if you need some fill flash I prefer a diffuser over direct flash if possible.

Though the most important thing is to use a bracket that keeps the flash centered over the lens, and raised up a bit - especially indoors, it will get rid of nasty shadows.

[tim]

I don't use a diffuser often now, but that's because I mainly use flash as fill not the main light and it's not so important for that. I like my soft box like Andrews, but the OmniBounce has a place, as do other diffusers.

[OdiN1701]

One thing I've found that the omnibounce is really good at is plopping it on a flash at a reception with a darker lit dance floor, aiming the flash up and using it like that. You'll get bounce from the ceiling, and still get some light from the front.

Oh and BTW tim, that lumiquest did help autofocus considerably. I wish I had known about that one when I ordered my Micro Apollo, but hadn't seen it at the time.

[ssim]

I have the lightsphere and it works ok. It looks a little obtrusive sitting on the flash that is then stuck up on a flash bracket. It works as well as a number of the other diffusers that have been mentioned here. The key is to find one that you are comfortable with and learn its limitations and good points.

I don't use it alot at weddings but if I am in close quarters and working on a single person it seems to do real well.

[jamiewexler]

I swear by the FlipIt! (http://www.joedembphotography.com/flipit/). I also use an Omnibounce quite a bit.

[tim]

I swear by the FlipIt! (http://www.joedembphotography.com/flipit/). I also use an Omnibounce quite a bit.

Does the flipit move around so it can be in the right place if the flash isn't straight on?

I was watching masters of wedding photography, the first guy on the DVD (I forget his name) seems to use an OmniBounce a lot inside.

[jamiewexler]

Yes. That's what's so great about it. You attach it to the narrow side of the flash head (point your flash head straight up and swivel it 90 degrees). That way you can tilt the flash head and use the flipit without a bracket. I'm miserable at describing it, but here's a shot of the flipit on my flash:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/jamiewexler/Fi4.jpg

[daclozer]

That looks very user friendly, is that the junior model?

[roman_t]

i use photoflex xtc (baloon). it softens shadows and warms colours a little. and it hypnotize people. local photographers asked me to sell it. noway.

[Arnie1]

I was watching masters of wedding photography, the first guy on the DVD (I forget his name) seems to use an OmniBounce a lot inside.

Dennis Reggie

[tim]

Ta. I have to watch the whole thing some time, probably tomorrow, before my weekend wedding.

[Arnie1]

I spent the whole of yesterday studying that DVD over and over....laid up with a crook back.

I'd like to understand the Omnibounce a little better, whats the deal with using in vertically?

Simon

[tim]

Pointed straight up it sends most of the light at the roof, for bounced flash, but some goes direct to the person, and some flies around all over the place and eventually hit the person.

[jamiewexler]

That looks very user friendly, is that the junior model?

Yes. He only sold the bigger one for bowl flashes when I bought it. I'm thinking of picking up one of the larger ones now that they're available for hot shoe flashes...

[Toogy]

I use a Lightsphere for dark reception halls with high ceilings, works wonders, but kills the batteries fast! I also use an omnibounce if the hall isn't as dark and has reasonable height ceilings.
For outdoors, I generally use nothing. Sometimes I use my omnibounce with the flash pointed directly forward.

[robnlauren]

I used the Flip-it at my bridal shower for practicaly every shot and I think they turned out pretty well. I'm a total dunce with flash right now as well and it's incredibly easy to use. I didn't get any funny looks either, as I hear you can get with the Lightsphere/fishbowl/tipjar :)

He now sells them with a diffuser on the front so it's doing practically everything!

http://www.dembflashdiffusers.com/ if anyone is interested (I have no affiliation, just a pleased customer!)

[MagicallyDelicious]

wow

thanks alot everyone :)