<HELP> Question regarding HS Football & Flash

I shot with flash last year mounted on the monopod 2 feet below the camera and came out with nice shots and horrible backgrounds. The monstrous shadows killed the images for me so I'm curious to know if I were to diffuse the flash with a 6" softbox would that be too broad of a light source to disrupt players and officials.

I haven't heard anybody diffuse their flash for nighttime football but if you have or know someone who has, I'd appreciate the feedback.

I would think the diffuser would "kill" the output of the flash...

How would 6" softbox change anything besides lowering your flash power? 6" not even good if you shooting someone at 12" forget football field distances.

The diffuser, of course, would cut the output of the flash, I'm not inquiring about that.

I'm interested in removing the sharp, harsh shadows that appear on the opposite side of the field due to the flash being positioned below the camera. Any input on that is appreciated.

Go with the dual set up..one a up above also..?

At football distances, the 6" diffuser is a point source---just an underpowered one. It will hurt, not help.

*Knowledge* wrote in post #10918133
The diffuser, of course, would cut the output of the flash, I'm not inquiring about that.

I'm interested in removing the sharp, harsh shadows that appear on the opposite side of the field due to the flash being positioned below the camera. Any input on that is appreciated.

Like Phil said you can put 2x3feet softbox on your flash but at the distances involved it is no different than just bare flash except less power.

Where do you use your 6" softbox BTW?

HighPixel wrote in post #10918406
Go with the dual set up..one a up above also..?

I'm still looking into making my own bracket for the flash to be a couple feet above the camera, for this Friday game I may have to try the dual technique.

bobbyz wrote in post #10919857
Like Phil said you can put 2x3feet softbox on your flash but at the distances involved it is no different than just bare flash except less power.

Where do you use your 6" softbox BTW?

I don't have a 6" box but I do have a 6" beauty dish that softens the flash well but I knew Id lack power drastically. I was only interested in softening the shadows in the background.

Looks like my best bet is to get my custom bracket made for the flash to be up above off to the side. Thanks everyone for the replies.

So here is what I came up with, had everything I needed.

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What is that bracket? Looks nice as it will put the flash high enough.

BTW - 6" BD won't soften anything, would like to see some test shots.

bobbyz wrote in post #10922143
What is that bracket? Looks nice as it will put the flash high enough.

BTW - 6" BD won't soften anything, would like to see some test shots.

Not sure the make of the bracket but is about 6" long, has two holes and sliding 1/4 & 3/8 screw. The pole is a 3/8 size I use with my automotive rig shots.

The only time I use the BD is when I'm at motorsport events shooting the models. This softens the flash enough for me.

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