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Avoiding harsh shadows when using a flash


9 years 2 months ago #426243 by Mark T
What annoys me the most is the hard shadows that come from using a flash.  I bought one of those diffuser cups and that still doesn't eliminate the harsh shadows.  

I have done some searches and think I found the solution and wanted to confirm here.  If I get a softbox, will that work?  What size would I need to get in order to remove shadows, let's say when taking portraits?  
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9 years 2 months ago #426248 by hghlndr6
Well, you're on the right track.  The larger the light source, the more diffuse the light will be and the more it will "wrap around" your subject and minimize shadows.  You might still need to provide some fill light.  A soft box will certainly help you but you can achieve good results by simply bouncing the flash off a large reflecting surface too.  I assume you have the flash off-camera?  I don't have a soft box; someone else can jump in here with a size recommendation.
www.bobmitchellphoto.com
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9 years 2 months ago #426312 by garyrhook
A) Get "Science: Light and Magic" to learn more

2) It's about the relative size of the light source. Larger, relative to your subject, provides better light. See the above resource for details.

C) Diffusion to soften the light. Harsh shadows results from too many parallel light rays. Gotta bounce them around. I've heard speakers discuss 7' softboxes, which would be awesome.

Yes, a softbox is what you want, but a less expensive entry point is a reflecting umbrella and cover. You can get much larger for much less money. I like this:

www.paulcbuff.com/plm.php

and have the 64" Soft Silver with a diffusion cover. Love it. Works with either a strobe or speedlite.
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9 years 2 months ago - 9 years 2 months ago #426356 by KCook
Outdoors there is not a lot you can do, except cozy your victim up to a light colored wall, or get the flash off the camera.  Indoors, in a small room with whitish walls or ceiling, you can splash light around.  Shoot-thru umbrellas splash the most.  Links for ideas -

www.photographytalk.com/forum/lighting-a...brellas-or-softboxes

www.lastoliteschoolofphotography.com/usi...20-inch-umbrella-pt2

Kelly Cook
Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/
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9 years 2 months ago #426363 by ubookoo
Also depends on what shadows your are referring to. If you are talking about shadows under the eyes then adjust the angle of your light source. If you are speaking of shadows behind a subject, then pull them as far away from the background as you can.
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9 years 2 months ago #426502 by Joves
If you chose to get the book Gary suggested, and are waiting for it. I suggest you poke around at this site strobist.blogspot.com/ , it is one of the best online guides on flash. There are many great ghetto setups, and how to use them there as well. I am one of those why buy much of this stuff, when you can improvise, and have fun types.
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9 years 2 months ago #426541 by Shadowfixer1

Mark T wrote: What annoys me the most is the hard shadows that come from using a flash.  I bought one of those diffuser cups and that still doesn't eliminate the harsh shadows.  

I have done some searches and think I found the solution and wanted to confirm here.  If I get a softbox, will that work?  What size would I need to get in order to remove shadows, let's say when taking portraits?  

A diffuser cup helps a little but it's still a tiny light source. If you are talking about having the flash mounted on the camera, the best thing is to get it off the camera and up higher with a flash bracket. You can get a number of accessories to help diffuse the flash, from blow up soft boxes, light benders to one of the Fong type products. If you have a white or light colored ceiling, the best thing to do is just tilt up the head and bounce the light. Specify more what equipment you're using for better, more specific recommendations.  
www.betterphoto.com/?ramshots
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