My two DYI bounce diffusers

[ggjoser]

Hi,
I've been a lurker here for some time now and this is my first post. I wanted to show you the two flash diffusers I made and get some feedback on the results. I usually shoot in full manual (flash and shutter speed) so I do not have examples of pictures in ETTL.

The first one is based off the "Better Bounce Card" video and I made it out of fun foam I bought from Walmart. I picked up one sheet of white (bounce side) and a black sheet (the rear) then put it together with staples. The $2 for the materials allowed me to make 6. I love the results but I'm still learning what position and settings are best for each shot.




My second device is made from a nylon shopping bag from Norstroms I found while cleaning my garage. The thought came into my head was theroy similar to the Fongsphere. This one requires stronger flash power for the same shot (f4.0 1/8 400iso shutter speed 1/200) vs. the fun foam bounce card (f4.0 1/16 200iso shutter speed 1/160). I love the results from this one too. Just set the flash power for distance and go. My only issue is that the colors seem a a tad flatter than the bounce card.

[goforphoto]

The proof is in the pudding, shots look good, I've bounced with a simple piece of copy paper attached to the flash. If it works use it .

[Curtis N]

Funny thing...

No matter how many people post well-lit shots facilitated by cheap, home-made flash modifiers, there is at least one post per day asking "Should I get the Lightsphere II or the Sto-Fen?"

Bouncing flash need not require expensive, bulky pieces of translucent plastic. And as you point out, successful lighting has more to do with experimenting and understanding than hardware.

I'm not sure why you chose to attach the black foam to the white. It won't affect the function, but maybe you just like the looks better?

[wu_wei0]

Good job! I've even used a bubble wrap sleeve in a pinch. worked nicely. . . plus the bubbles were fun to pop when I was done

[ggjoser]

Thanks for the comments. I added the black backing on the foam bouncer because some folks who were standing behind me made a fuss about the light leaking through when it was just the white foam. I know it should let that bother me, but I tend to shoot at events where the booze are flowing and came close to a few incidents when using Sto-fen. shrug.

[Dante King]

should I get the fongomnisrtofenlumiquest gold plated model?

[Curtis N]

Originally Posted by Dante King

should I get the fongomnisrtofenlumiquest gold plated model?

Nah. Just bounce the flash off your forehead and fix the white balance in post.

[GlennSter]

Originally Posted by Curtis N

Nah. Just bounce the flash off your forehead and fix the white balance in post.

OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[ggjoser]

So I went by the art supply store today to buy another few sheets of fun foam. What I wanted to do is build a light bouncer similar to Lumquest's Pocket Bouncer for those times I won't have and low ceilings. Here's what I mustard up.





Test shots from 6 feet.

[davidfig]

Originally Posted by Curtis N

Nah. Just bounce the flash off your forehead and fix the white balance in post.

HA..........I'm dying here........ I usually use something like the betterbouncecard. You can go to walmart and make two small ones for about a dollar. I do like the idea of adding the black foam to the back. This gives it a more professional look. Also since both sheets are foam they bend allowing me to adjust the forward reflection.

Now how do I glue two pieces of foam together. Darn where's that foam adhesive.

[mbellot]

Originally Posted by goforphoto

I've bounced with a simple piece of copy paper attached to the flash. If it works use it .

Too funny, I had to resort to this tactic on Wednesday. I forgot my foam "better bounce" at home when packing stuff for my daughter's school show.

One found sheet of paper (ok, it had "Reserved" printed on it ) plus a quick scrounge through lost & found for a scrunchie to hold it to the flash and I was set.


EDIT: BTW - I did return the scrunchie when I was finished, but the paper was pretty much toast.

[Scott B]

Originally Posted by ggjoser

I added the black backing on the foam bouncer because some folks who were standing behind me made a fuss about the light leaking through when it was just the white foam.

Actually that's one of the features of the ABBC. You can turn it around and it really softens the light on the subject. To me ... putting the black on the back of it defeats one of it's best features.

[johnlo]

i've used the Gary Fong LS, both clear and the cloudy version. I like it. and It worked great for me. I dont know why ppl dont like him, i guess because he's asian and has a non-asian wife?? lol. anyway, i recently created this for fun. i didnt do much testing on it yet. maybe you can do on your free time.



once you understand how to use a flash, it doesnt matter what you use or dont use anymore.

john

[Bob D.]

"I'm not sure why you chose to attach the black foam to the white. It won't affect the function, but maybe you just like the looks better?"

Well it does look better (I did the same on mine), but it also knocks the light splash down which blows through the white to the rear which was catching me in the eye and also bothers others in the vicinity.

[RBudding]

Originally Posted by johnlo

i've used the Gary Fong LS, both clear and the cloudy version. I like it. and It worked great for me. I dont know why ppl dont like him, i guess because he's asian and has a non-asian wife?? lol. anyway, i recently created this for fun. i didnt do much testing on it yet. maybe you can do on your free time.



once you understand how to use a flash, it doesnt matter what you use or dont use anymore.

john

I think it's more likely that folks resent that he charges so much for a cheap piece of plastic.