Best way to diffuse light with a on camera flash?

12 years 9 months ago #112220 by Jerry Curtin
So you have a on camera pop-up flash and clearly you can't point this in different directions to bounce of walls or ceilings, so how are you diffusing this flash?


Photo Comments
,
12 years 9 months ago - 12 years 9 months ago #112238 by Stealthy Ninja
I don't have an on camera "pop-up" flash.

If I did, I could put a tissue in front of it... or buy something like this:
www.garyfongestore.com/puffer-pop-up-flash-diffuser.html
,
12 years 9 months ago #112243 by Jerry Curtin
Thank you :thumbsup:


Photo Comments
,
12 years 9 months ago #112281 by Screamin Scott
Keep in mind of course, that the flash distance will decrease when using one of these...

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

Photo Comments
,
12 years 9 months ago - 12 years 9 months ago #112290 by The Time Capturer
I use my home made diffuser, but I only use it for "macro" work. Not sure how it would be effective in other situations.


Sure, practice makes perfect but, unless you learn from your mistakes, you are only perfecting your ability to fail.
Attachments:
,
12 years 9 months ago #112305 by photobod

Jerry Curtin wrote: So you have a on camera pop-up flash and clearly you can't point this in different directions to bounce of walls or ceilings, so how are you diffusing this flash?



Stealthy Ninjas advice on the Gary Fong gadget is the best way to go if you are going to insist on sticking with your pop up flash but your results will be very disappointing I would imagine, why not buy a cheap flash gun just to get you started and if you go to this thread you could build your own diffuser very cheaply.

www.photographytalk.com/forum/lighting-a...he-homemade-soft-box

www.dcimages.org.uk
"A good photograph is one that communicate a fact, touches the heart, leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective." - Irving Penn

,
12 years 9 months ago #112318 by Henry Peach
I don't know about "best way", but here's another option www.diyphotography.net/the-party-bouncer-is-back-in-business
,
12 years 9 months ago #112485 by The Time Capturer
There is one more option ... using a slave unit. The slave will sense your pop-up's flash and trigger itself from it's position off to the side, or slightly above, wherever you wish it to be. Slave units can be rather inexpensive.

Sure, practice makes perfect but, unless you learn from your mistakes, you are only perfecting your ability to fail.
,
12 years 9 months ago #112499 by Henry Peach
Take a translucent milk jug. Cut a diffuser out of it that fits on the pop-up flash like the party bouncer card. Angle it so some bounces up. It will cut down on flash power, but it would significantly increase the size of the light source.
,
12 years 9 months ago #112505 by Joves
Tracing paper also works.


,
12 years 9 months ago #112508 by The Time Capturer

Joves wrote: Tracing paper also works.


Waxed paper as well...

Sure, practice makes perfect but, unless you learn from your mistakes, you are only perfecting your ability to fail.
,
12 years 9 months ago #112517 by Henry Peach
How about a periscope? You could aim the flash in different directions, and it could have the height of a speedlight. :banana:
,
12 years 9 months ago #112596 by Jerry Curtin

The Time Capturer wrote:

Joves wrote: Tracing paper also works.


Waxed paper as well...


How would you be setting this up?


Photo Comments
,
12 years 9 months ago #112607 by The Time Capturer

Jerry Curtin wrote:

The Time Capturer wrote:

Joves wrote: Tracing paper also works.


Waxed paper as well...


How would you be setting this up?


Just place a small piece over the flash ... enough to wrap around it, then use tape or an elastic to hold it in place.

Sure, practice makes perfect but, unless you learn from your mistakes, you are only perfecting your ability to fail.
,
12 years 9 months ago #112644 by MajorMagee
For the Olympus m43 PENs that have the pop up flash on an articulated armature, you can just push it back with your finger to point it at the ceiling.


,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

Urban photography is a genre showcasing features in urban settings. You can photograph people, architecture, mass transit, and many other subjects. Learn how to do so in this guide!

Apr 30, 2024

The Nikon D850 might be an older DSLR, but it was ahead of its time when it debuted in 2017. That means it still has plenty of firepower to compete with today’s powerful mirrorless cameras.

Apr 30, 2024

The best beginner camera isn’t the same for everyone. That means having choice is of the utmost importance. In this guide, explore five excellent beginner camera options for 2024 and beyond.

Apr 25, 2024

Child portrait photography is a unique undertaking requiring special skills and talents to get the best results. Start mastering this photography niche with these essential tips!

Apr 25, 2024

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024

Using leading lines in photography helps improve the composition by drawing viewers in and leading their eye from the foreground to the background. Explore some fine examples of this in this guide!

Apr 24, 2024

The Insta360 has one of the best lineups of action cams and 360-degree cameras. With these Insta360 accessories, you can elevate your photography and videography game!

Apr 24, 2024

Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.

Apr 23, 2024