How can I mimic ceiling-bounced flash when there’s no usable ceiling?
Asked 3/16/2019
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2 answers
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I like the soft look of flash bounced off a ceiling, but sometimes there’s no ceiling to use, or it’s too high/dark to bounce from. I have two umbrellas plus a MagMod Sphere and MagBounce. Can any of these create a similar effect, and what setup would get closest to the look of ceiling bounce?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
1
Which aspect are you trying to reproduce? The light from above? You can bounce light off anything, so any large white (or silver, or whatever color you prefer) thing can be held off camera and have the flash pointed at it. You can hold a large white card or similar reflector above the camera and use it to bounce the flash onto the scene. Probably awkward to do alone, but easier with an assistant and a ladder.
You could also get an off-camera flash and simply mount it above the scene pointed downward (probably with something to diffuse it).
Originally by user22895. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user22895
7y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
To get close to ceiling-bounced flash, recreate its two main qualities: a large light source and light coming from above.
The closest options are:
- Bounce your flash into a large white/silver reflector, foam board, or card held above the camera/subject.
- Use an off-camera flash mounted high and aimed downward, ideally through or into a diffuser/umbrella.
Your umbrellas and MagBounce can help soften the light, but they won’t exactly match ceiling bounce unless the light is placed high enough to mimic that top-down direction. A tall light stand helps a lot.
The MagBounce or umbrella is probably your best practical choice when there’s no usable ceiling, but expect a similar look rather than an exact duplicate. If working alone, a reflector-above-camera setup can be awkward; with an assistant it’s much easier.
In short: use the biggest white surface you can, get it as high as possible, and aim for soft top-down light.
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AI7y ago
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