Using a Sock as a Diffuser

[brecklundin]

I am sure it's been tried but who has tried a thin white sock as a fast and easy diffuser?

I think I will take a swing at it. I imagine it might add a warmer cast to the shot but this could be compensated for in PP.

I am just looking at easier less off the charts spendy diffuser options. Yeah, I know one can use painter's tape and any manner of opaque white materials...I even made my own by stapling two white foam picnic bowls together then cutting a flap in the bottom of one for the head to slide into. But this is not a very portable thing since the bowls crush easily and are inconvenient to transport. I also used a 1/8" micro foam sheet and tape which also worked OK. Still it's not fast to tape it onto the head. Same for paper towels, etc...

It could even be that using a sock cutting off most of the foot and attaching some simple opaque material could work also...

I just look at the cost of anything remotely associated as a photographic tool/accessory and the cost relative to the materials...it's downright laughable but good work if you can get it...

So, el cheapo white socks here I come to fiddle with ya...

[phantelope]

I don't have any white socks but the idea seems a bit odd to me. And I usually don't care what people think about my gear, but I'd probably be a bit embarrassed to have a sock hanging off my flash....

Why not get one of those simple Stofen things? Small, cheap, and quite good.
Or use a gallon milk container and cut something out that you can attach with a rubber band (or part of a sock if you must) but store flat in your camera bag.

I think a sock would be too thick and also retain too much heat to be good for the flash.

But if you do have success post some pictures, including some of your socked gear :-)

[brecklundin]

and a white index card secured with painter's tape works as well as any bounce card, but better to soend $50 on something with a label...DUDE!

....image over substance...the bane of innovation... :p

hehehehe....

My idea is there are some really thin socks...and compare a flash mounted soft box, how is that different from a sock? Ya make a good point about heat so maybe a slit or two to allow better air flow is a good idea!! THANKS?! I think...me and my getto soft box...

HAHAHAHA...really i get your point but WTF, I am gonna take a whack at it for the fun of it. My biggest concern is the actual temp of the light coming out of it...we'll see...

Personally I bllmae the pain meds for these ideas! :p

[NZDoug]

Operation Sock and Awe
If you cut the toe off the sock and sew buttons on it for eyes, you can make a great plasticky shopping bag holder ala Snoopy by stuffing the bags inside the sock body.
LOL

[ssracer]

Make sure to use a tube sock with the fat red stripes on it :D

[SoundsGood]

Make sure to use a tube sock with the fat red stripes on it :D
Oooh, an L sock! ;)

[brecklundin]

hahahahaha....it has to have a red stripe!! ;)