diffuser tips

I am looking for a decent flash diffuser.
Anyone have any good suggestions?

Many threads on POTN about the limited usefulness of relatively small devices like Stoffen Omnibounce and Fong Lightsphere...they both rely upon availability of ceiling and/or nearby walls to serve as bounce surfaces, turning them into large virtual light sources. No walls, no ceilings, no use in using them -- unless your goal is to lose light and eat up batteries faster.

Thanks for the input.
So here is my situational use for them.
Out side the high shool after graduation ceremony at dusk,
close to subject, looking to diffuse the harshness of a straight on-full force flash.....

denise69 wrote in post #12463889
Thanks for the input.
So here is my situational use for them.
Out side the high shool after graduation ceremony at dusk,
close to subject, looking to diffuse the harshness of a straight on-full force flash.....

The plastic "diffusers" simply spread the available light into a wider area. They are not significantly larger than a bare flash, and thus there will be almost no softening of shadows when used in a place with no reflective surfaces to return the light from multiple angles.

What makes more sense if you are trying to soften the shadows outdoors or in very large venues (neither of which has nearby reflective surfaces) is using a large reflector to produce a significantly larger area to the effective "source" of the light. That reflector could be mounted on the flash unit or held by an assistant. The flash-mounted reflector could not be nearly as big as those handled by an assistant could be.

Understanding these points is easier if you understand the nature of light itself.

I understand that.
I have a hand held reflector, however, I was shooting alone last weekend in a tight area outside. I was trying to avoid the straight on 'obvious flash look' of the photos.
I have diffuser, however, was given to me, I didn't purchase it. I am not completely familiar with diffusers and their qualities (significant or otherwise)

There are some threads in the Flash forum demonstrating the effectiveness of certain diffusers/reflectors. Have you looked at the Lumiquest products?

Rogue flashbender or demb flipit, both are bounce cards that you can fully adjust the angle. They can be used for partial bounce or bent forward so that all the light from the flash is redirected forward. They would probably have some effect at the distances you are working, but not more than 8 feet or so.

GREAT! I will check out those products...that's what i am looking for, I believe. Close range work.
I appreciate your input!!!!

Among the best flash diffusers is a conventiently-located white ceiling, assisted by a white card.

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Except she will be outside the gym, no ceiling to bounce off of.

thanks for that tip!

gonzogolf, thanks, your right.
no ceiling!

http://www.lumiquest.c​om/products.htm

http://www.dembflashpr​oducts.com/flipit/

Get a 22" white reflector and have somebody hold it so you can bounce off of it. Try and stay 5 feet away from the subject.

Like i mentioned earlier, i was shooting alone and i do have a reflector.