FLASH DIFFUSERS

[MAD DOG]

I have a speedlite 550EX which I use on a 10D for portraits.

When shooting these images significant shadowing can result, depending upon the proximatey of the backdrop relative to the subject.

Bouncing the flash obviously reduces this problem, but also can give the resultant photograph a softer look than that I desire.

I appretiate that moving the model away from the backdrop would also help, but this is not always possible in relatively confined rooms.

Would the use of a flash diffuser give me what I'm looking for, and if so what type would you suggest (Particularly you pro's).

If you could post an image of any such shots you have taken with a diffuser, giving type and set up, I'd be very grateful.

[HJMinard]

Have you tried using a white index card to reflect light forward (used with the flash tilted up for bounce)? It doesn't look very high tech with the white card and rubber band, but I find that it works quite well. I'm not sure how a bounced flash gives you a softer look ... perhaps you mean flatter (less shadows can give the impression of less depth)? From the results I've seen, some diffusers increase the flatness effect. I like the index card method ... at least where white ceilings are available.

[MAD DOG]

Sounds like a low cost, practical idea.

I'll give it a go and see what happens.

I think you're right, my description of what Imeant probably wasn't that good.

Still a novice, but desperate to learn.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[cricket]

There are small soft boxes available for flashes, and I have also used the white card, though I used an 8x10 size with a 45 degree tilt (card tilted, not flash) and never have worried about a ceiling being there (not mounted on my hot shoe). I take this outdoors, too. Works great! HJMinard is right in his version as well. I think it depends on what flash you have, and if it is mounted on your camera, a bracket, or if you are holding it.

OmniBounce has some cool diffusers/reflectors, and there are some other ways of diffusing your flash. I have never used it, but heard that putting something like a tissue, or thin, white dryer sheet over the lens and securing it with a rubber band works! Hmmm, at least with the dryer sheet you'd smell good! :lol:

Have fun, and show us what works out for you!

[snibbetsj]

Check out the Lumiquest softboxes and bouncer for flashes. I have them and they work great. They're not that expensive either, the mini-softbox is only about $20 at B&H www.lumiquest.com (http://www.lumiquest.com/) :)

[photofinish]

I've had pretty good luck with this LightSphere II (http://secure.mycart.net/catalogs/catalog.asp?prodid=3354218&showprevnext=1) I just set up a budget studio at my home with some low wattage lights to fill in the shadows and used the LightSphere as my main source. I does a good job.

[nat869]

I love my Lumiquest softbox. Makes a big difference!!!

[robertwgross]

First of all, if you are shooting a portrait against a backdrop, you might be holding the camera vertically. Either the hotshoe will be pointed to the right or to the left. If your 550EX is on the hotshoe, then either it is hanging on the right or on the left. As a result, your subject's shadows are visible on the left or on the right. In general, this is not desired.

The desired place for shadows is directly behind the subject, and possibly low. In general, they are invisible there. The tool to use is a flash bracket that has a flip feature. With this, your 550EX will be held directly above the lens no matter which way you hold the camera, and the shadow will be in the invisible place behind the subject.

Then, I would stick a Lumiquest softbox on the 550EX to soften the light. Ideally, a softbox is roughly the same size as the subject, but that is a lot to carry around. Mine is smaller, but it works.

---Bob Gross---

[jgbeam]

Your 550EX has a plastic diffuser that slides out from the head and can be flipped down to cover the flash or, with the head tilted up for ceiling bounce, kept flipped up to throw a little fill toward the subject with a nice crisp catchlight. I've had good luck with the flip panel and you already have it! Even better is Lumiquest's 80-20.

http://www.lumiquest.com/lq872.htm

I haven't tried their portable softboxes but I hear good things about them. I have two Stoffen Omnibounces (550 and 420) and don't like them as much as the 80-20 or the 550's own flip diffuser.

Jim