DIY Diffuser-Reflector for Hot-Shoe Flash

[SYS]

Again, nothing's new under the sun... My DIY is just some modifications of Chuck Gardner's here:

http://super.nova.org/DPR/DIY01/

Mine is only significantly different in that I added "cross-stitch matrix grid," "metallic silver", and upcoming "gold," reflectors that are easily interchangeable by velcro inside the "white" default reflector. Other minor differences are that instead of stapling around the edges, I used velcro to connect the inner white to outer black "fun foam," and used an iPod "exercise band" that is useless for my iPod use but perfect for this DIY. (I never throw away such "useless" things since you never know what DIY projects might come up. ;))


1) Diffuser-Reflector on Flash - Front View with "Cross-Stitch Matrix Grid." (Note that the top can bounce off its own "roof" which is useful when shooting in situations where there's no ceiling to bounce off of, as in outdoors or indoors with unreachable ceiling. When ceiling is available, the top can be angle-adjusted to open up towards the ceiling.)
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2) Diffuser-Reflector on Flash - Back View
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[SYS]

3) Side View
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4) In Action
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[SYS]

5) Back View with the iPod "exercise band" (Notice the two separate velcro on each side for angle adjustment. Being able to lay it flat is a big plus for portability.)
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6) Front View with the "matrix grid" insert. Chuck Gardner's version uses this cross-stitch matrix as a stiffner between the white and black fun foam and therefore hidden inside. I decided, however, to give it a try as a reflector in itself as an experiment. With the "matrix grid" off, you'll have the white default reflector...
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[SYS]

7) With "metallic silver" insert. (The "gold" reflector insert to come...)
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[SYS]

I need to do a better job with controlled testing, but here are initial sample image results with much room for improved shooting:

1) Bare Flash Directly Aimed at the Subjects...
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2) Bare Flash Bounced Off Ceiling...
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[SYS]

3) With White Default Reflector...
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4) With "Metallic Silver" Reflector...
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[SYS]

5) With "Matrix Grid" Reflector...
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[SYS]

So, do you think this cheap DIY (around $4 in all) can compete with the likes of Sto Fen, or Gary Fong Lightsphere, or.... ? :cool:

[gorby]

awesome sample shots and everything

i wonder if the straight bounced doesn't look the best though, even though your sample turned out a little 'hot' i think (along with few of the others)

[SYS]

awesome sample shots and everything

i wonder if the straight bounced doesn't look the best though, even though your sample turned out a little 'hot' i think (along with few of the others)

Thanks. The reason why I stated earlier that I need a better controlled testing is precisely because I don't know (yet) which type of situation is better with which kind of shooting methods (i.e., "roof" down for straight shooting, or open angle for bouncing off ceiling), as well as which type "reflectors" go better with which situation. So I got a lot of testing coming up... But one thing I feel very confident is that this thingy is working effectively as designed.

[gorby]

Please do... and let us know how it goes.

Out of the modifier samples I'm liking the silver reflector one the best

[SYS]

Please do... and let us know how it goes.

Out of the modifier samples I'm liking the silver reflector one the best

As for me, from the limited modifier samples, it's a toss up between the silver reflector and the cross-stitch matrix grid. I'm sure more refined testings in the coming days and weeks with different applications would provide more insights.

[gorby]

Despite some differences in the shadows (which are hard to gauge, as mentioned, being an 'uncontrolled' test with moving subjects), it also appears the reflective silver retains the best color rendition.

I suppose the samples bouncing off white have a cooler cast to them. In fact the silver reflector version is the closest to the bare flash in this regard.

[MikeMcL]

The Metallic silver shot seems to be the most natural and contrasty image. the others dont seem to be lit at the correct ratio.

Very cool project, I might have to give one a try.

[SYS]

I just noticed a shadow off the face of my son on the left of the image in the matrix grid reflector. I also did have a perception that the metallic silver reflector had the most natural and contrasty feel to the image.

Hey, for about $4 and an hour of time for the project, what have you got to lose? ;)

[hdayanan]

what material is the silver reflector, something I can buy at local stores..?

best regards
dan

[SYS]

what material is the silver reflector, something I can buy at local stores..?

best regards
dan

First, welcome to the forum! :)

The silver reflector that you saw on this thread is just an aluminum foil that you probably have in your own kitchen. However, I changed it to a more lasting foil tape that you can get easily from any Home Depot, Lowe's, or WalMart. Both do the same job, but I found that an aluminum foil from my kitchen tends to tear easily, so the change.