What Flash Diffuser (when you cant bounce)

[scenar]

Hey folks,

What flash diffusers do u use when the ceiling's too high to bounce or when u r outdoors n thus forced to use direct flash?

I find omni-bounce not much better than direct flash... maybe worse in fact as it increases the flash recharge time.

Example pics would be nice as well!

 

[zac08]

What effect do you need? Catchlights? Or lighting?

If all you need is lighting, then use direct flash.

If you need a large catchlight in the eye, then try a large bounce card.

 

[scenar]

What effect do you need? Catchlights? Or lighting?

If all you need is lighting, then use direct flash.

If you need a large catchlight in the eye, then try a large bounce card.

Just lighting, but direct flash looks terrible, esp so when there's a nearby wall...

 

[zac08]

Just lighting, but direct flash looks terrible, esp so when there's a nearby wall...

reduce the ev... if the wall is reflecting the light, then try using gobos to block the light from hitting that area.

 

[scenar]

reduce the ev... if the wall is reflecting the light, then try using gobos to block the light from hitting that area.

What's a gobo?

I take it u r referring to reducing Flash exposure compensation (FEC) rather than reducing Exposure Value (EV). This helps somewhat, but is still undesirable as the quality of the light does not improve.

 

[FilterFunk]

IMO, using a large bounce card will reap the best results in such situations..
DIY is cheap

 

[zac08]

What's a gobo?

I take it u r referring to reducing Flash exposure compensation (FEC) rather than reducing Exposure Value (EV). This helps somewhat, but is still undesirable as the quality of the light does not improve.

A gobo is a piece of equipment meant to block light from reaching a certain area, like a snoot or even a bounce card placed strategically.