What if I can't Bounce?

[IainUK]

I've recently bought a 580EX ad have been playing around with it. The issue I have is using it in a p;ace where the ceilings are too high and I can't bounce the flash - If I point it directly at the subject they become blown out by the flash - Typically I am still on ETTL and P

Any advice gratefully received!

[GerBee]

Use the +/- on the flash to reduce the power output.

You could make a better bounce card from some foam.

Peter Gregg: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNCmuExlHvM

It works rather well. That is, IMO the simplest thing to do to get better results when the full bounce in unavailable.

We could discuss taking the flash off camera ... IMO too messy. We could alos discuss adding a flash meter and using the flash in manual mode, setting the aperture from a flash meter reading, this is expensive and slow ~ but the best accuracy you'll get.

[NotAClue1]

I also got this recently (and know next to nothing about flash photog). I did get the offen diffuser though (purely based on reading advice somewhere on the net.. its meant to help with that exact problem.

btw, good choice with flash, my pics are 100 times better!

[NotAClue1]

oh yeah, a lot of people find that the flash typically over exposes subjects a tad in auto mode so mine spends a lot of the time with 1 or 2 /3 down (just push the middle set button and turn the dial)

[IainUK]

great thanks - just off to do a christening now!!!

[mufutau55]

You could get a Flip-It at: http://www.dembflashproducts.com/flipit/
I have one and it's really good.

Mufutau

I've recently bought a 580EX ad have been playing around with it. The issue I have is using it in a p;ace where the ceilings are too high and I can't bounce the flash - If I point it directly at the subject they become blown out by the flash - Typically I am still on ETTL and P

Any advice gratefully received!

[GSansoucie]

This is the thing that has done the trick for me:
http://super.nova.org/DPR/DIY01/

But I also have two of the "Better Bounce Cards", I made one small and one large. Basically grab a bunch of sheets of the white craft foam at a craft store, it comes in handy. I still have a could 3 x 5 cards in my bag as well, though I haven't used them since the white foam invasion.

[400dabuser]

Can't you get a STOFEN diffuser? Though, still it is better to angle it still, so the flash isn't direct unto the subject

[dpds68]

How high were your Ceilings that you could not bounce ? there is a thread here with a test shot done of a very high ceiling and it worked .

I will try to find it for you .


David

[dpds68]

Ok I found it

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=451770

[lawlz_xD]

I don't mean this to be a thread jack, but I was just wondering, as this is a common scenario for many....

It is sunny outside, about 12-1 PM in the afternoon and the sun is at the highest point. A group of friends is sitting under the shade of a tree, obviously since you are outside you cannot bounce the flash, at this point what do you do? Is there a method that is low-profile? I don't think carrying around a diffuser or soft-box on your flash is the most practical way.

[dpds68]

^^^^ Direct Flash for Fill .

[smorter]

You can always Bounce 99% of the time. And in the 1% of the time you can't bounce, then you can take the flash off camera or something or just use direct flash. Direct Flash doesn't look that bad as long as the subjects are far from the walls/backdrops where shadows are obvious and you are relatively close to them.

You don't have to bounce off the Roof/Ceiling (why would you do that anyway?), instead be creative and bounce off walls, bounce off other people around you, bounce off furniture, fixtures, whatever. Of course, you will need to colour correct though

Can't you get a STOFEN diffuser? Though, still it is better to angle it still, so the flash isn't direct unto the subject
??? How is using a Stofen diffuser any different from direct flash when you can't bounce

[airfrogusmc]

Make a bounce card. ;)

[smorter]

I don't mean this to be a thread jack, but I was just wondering, as this is a common scenario for many....

It is sunny outside, about 12-1 PM in the afternoon and the sun is at the highest point. A group of friends is sitting under the shade of a tree, obviously since you are outside you cannot bounce the flash, at this point what do you do? Is there a method that is low-profile? I don't think carrying around a diffuser or soft-box on your flash is the most practical way.

Yes direct flash is a good option, if you want to be fancy you can trigger the lights off camera. Diffusers that rely on bounce flash (e.g. Stofens, Fong Dongs, Flip-its) etc are useless outdoors. Softboxes and Umbrellas and stuff can be useful I guess.

Here are some sooc examples of just using bare flashes as fill outdoors (no editing), with before and after shots. (sometimes natural light isn't the best option :D)

http://dawei.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p846753787-4.jpg

http://dawei.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p976820311-5.jpg

[lawlz_xD]

Very nice shots! Direct flash meaning...the pop-up flash correct? Did you have any FEC in those pics?

[airfrogusmc]

I personally like #1 better on the group looking up in my opinion #2 was over filled.

[RPCrowe]

I am a happy user of the Joe Demb Flash Diffuser (DFD) Pro. You can using this unit even when the ceilings are too high or too dark.

I like doing business with Joe because he treats each customer as an individual and gives you personal attention. As an example, I wanted a flash reflector/diffuser which could be used with my new 270EX. I use the 270EX primarily for flash fill because it is small enough to just leave on my camera and turn on and off when I need it. However, occasionally I want to bounce the light from this unit. I emailed Joe and he offered to fabricate a special unit for me to fit the 270EX. We then concluded that the Flip-it Junior would work with the 270EX.

I have a hunch that the best solution to cover high/dark ceilings would be the Mega Flip-It combined with the Clear Diffuser Screen.

The Flip-it reflector can be set slightly back for close-ups anywhere or for rooms with lower ceilings; vertical for medium shots in a high ceiling room or outdoors and forward for full length and groups in a high ceiling room or outdoors up to 18 feet.

http://www.dembflashproducts.com/i/reflector_positions.jpg


http://www.dembflashproducts.com/i/diffuser_positions.jpg
The diffuser can be set forward for close-ups anywhere or medium shots in a room with a ceiling. It can be set vertically for medium shots in a high-ceiling room or outdoors. Hooding the flash is the most powerful setting.

I like the versatility of the Joe Demb rigs and they produce great results.

However, I recommend that you contact Joe and ask for his advice. He is a great guy to work with.

http://www.dembflashproducts.com/

[SkipD]

Direct flash meaning...the pop-up flash correct?"Direct flash" simply means that the light from the flash unit is aimed directly at the subject and is not bounced off any surfaces (either fixed surfaces like a wall or portable surfaces like a reflector panel - either attached to the camera/flash unit or to a stand).

In my opinion, nobody in their right mind (and properly educated about flash photography) would use a pop-up flash for any serious photography of people or animals. The light source is way too close to the lens' axis and is very likely to cause red-eye.

[airfrogusmc]

Heres a solution that I found gives me results as good as anything else and its cheap and you can customize. Pure white art board and velcro.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/Cameras/IMG_3620.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/Cameras/IMG_3622.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/Cameras/IMG_3623.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/Cameras/IMG_3625.jpg

[Wilt]

Can't you get a STOFEN diffuser? Though, still it is better to angle it still, so the flash isn't direct unto the subject

Stoffen (and Lightsphere) is a useless waster of light, and voracious eater of battery power, when used where the ceiling is too high, or absent (outside).