Lightsphere question

I was given a lightsphere on the weekend and haven't had time to experiment with it yet. Until now I've only used a better bounce card (made from white foam craft paper) and stayed away from the lightsphere largely because of the bad press on the forums.

The lightsphere looks quite interesting but I'm wondering why I shouldn't place reflective material around 180 degrees of the lightsphere in order to direct all of the diffused light forward towards the object as opposed to the 360 degree light dispersion that I believe will be going on otherwise. I've searched around here but cant find anyone who has done this....am I missing something?

I look forward to your comments.

I've read of people doing that, it's worth a go.

I'm happy with the frosted version of the Lightsphere as is, since it provides me with hassle-free flash photography for events, etc, when grabbing candids and other times I don't have time to think about things. If you want experiment, definitely try it, just make sure it's something you can undo if you're not going to be happy with the result. Personally, I'm happy to carry some spare rechargeables and get the results I like (I believe that the light bouncing from all around adds to the softness that the Lightsphere gives you in the first place), and life's just too short to worry about everything. (I compare it to worrying about shooting through a shoot-through umbrella and worrying about most of the light bouncing off the umbrella and away from the subject ).

tim wrote in post #5687736
I've read of people doing that, it's worth a go.

Thanks Tim...its certainly something I'll experiment with.

Rudi wrote in post #5687792
I'm happy with the frosted version of the Lightsphere as is, since it provides me with hassle-free flash photography for events, etc, when grabbing candids and other times I don't have time to think about things. If you want experiment, definitely try it, just make sure it's something you can undo if you're not going to be happy with the result. Personally, I'm happy to carry some spare rechargeables and get the results I like (I believe that the light bouncing from all around adds to the softness that the Lightsphere gives you in the first place), and life's just too short to worry about everything. (I compare it to worrying about shooting through a shoot-through umbrella and worrying about most of the light bouncing off the umbrella and away from the subject ).

Thanks for the information Rudi and if the only downside of the present design is increased battery use its not that big of a deal, or as you say not enough to worry about. My thinking was that for most of my use (weddings) there are rarely walls close behind the photographer so I didn't think the light dispersed away from the object would find a wall to bounce off and significantly contribute to softening the light. If that assumption is true, then why not reflect that light forward by modifying the lightsphere?

Fong now sells a "chrome dome" that just does exactly that--throws light away from your eyes towards your subject. BUT--it is hard plastic and let's be real--these things just don't store well. A friend and I have been using tin foil for several years on our clear LS2PJ's with or without the frosted dome and it works great. You don't waste light (battery power) tossing light behind you. Put the foil inside the cup, shiny side out--be sure to wrinkle it all up then flatten the foil, then form and cut it. Tape it on the inside with the frosted scotch tape, with some tape over lapping the upper rim so you use the dome or not. The wrinkles help dispurse more light towards the subject. Be sure to put the foil on the inside of the cup so it works in both land and face modes when you flip the flash. For most shots, you can use about 1/3 less FEC with the foil because more light is going onto your subject, and behind them, and you don't get that harsh of a pop in the corner of your eye when shooting. Great mod for about a penny!

I've done that - foil in the dome thing. I didn't notice much difference. I've long ago given up on the LSII - the Lumiquest ProMax System is what I use now. No wasted light and much easier to carry.

Rudy M. wrote in post #5689708
Fong now sells a "chrome dome" that just does exactly that--throws light away from your eyes towards your subject. BUT--it is hard plastic and let's be real--these things just don't store well. A friend and I have been using tin foil for several years on our clear LS2PJ's with or without the frosted dome and it works great. You don't waste light (battery power) tossing light behind you. Put the foil inside the cup, shiny side out--be sure to wrinkle it all up then flatten the foil, then form and cut it. Tape it on the inside with the frosted scotch tape, with some tape over lapping the upper rim so you use the dome or not. The wrinkles help dispurse more light towards the subject. Be sure to put the foil on the inside of the cup so it works in both land and face modes when you flip the flash. For most shots, you can use about 1/3 less FEC with the foil because more light is going onto your subject, and behind them, and you don't get that harsh of a pop in the corner of your eye when shooting. Great mod for about a penny!

Thanks Rudy and I'll for sure experiment with the foil mod as you've described. Thanks a million & I'll let you know how I make out.

Titus213 wrote in post #5690070
I've done that - foil in the dome thing. I didn't notice much difference. I've long ago given up on the LSII - the Lumiquest ProMax System is what I use now. No wasted light and much easier to carry.

Thanks Dave....I'll make sure to check out the ProMAx system as well.