Portable on-camera flash diffuser that stays attached for bounce and direct portraits
Asked 9/24/2015
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2 answers
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I use a Metz 64 speedlight for indoor and outdoor people shots, from group/half-body to tight portraits. I like the look from a Gary Fong-style diffuser, but when the camera hangs from my shoulder the dome or diffuser can pop off, and it is annoying to reattach during a shoot.
I want a portable on-camera modifier that stays on more securely and still works for both bouncing and aiming light directly at the subject. I’m mainly using it for portraits and small groups, not product work. Are there better alternatives to a Lightsphere-style diffuser, or is this mostly a fit/handling issue?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
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For diffusing, I have actually gotten creative with just a piece of paper or a paper plate when i wasn't able to bring my home made one. If you need one side of the paper not to let light out, you can put a piece of black paper or tin foil if you are looking for a reflection. then an elastic band around the part that goes onto the flash should hold it all together. the nice thing about paper is that you can fold it up and make things fit as you need and paper is easy to add to a camera bag.
The home made one I created is from a translucent plastic with Velcro holding it all together and it was setup to fit on the flash of my camera. a school book folder with a clear side that was cut up to make the flash diffuser. There is many of DYI stuff online that might help you get around this problem.
Originally by user6327. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user6327
10y ago
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If the current dome keeps popping off, it may simply be a poor match for being pressed against your body on a shoulder strap—soft-sided domes can flex and the rigid cap can pop free.
More importantly, choose the modifier by the kind of light you want:
- Lightsphere/Omnibounce-style diffusers don’t really act like a big softbox. They spread light in many directions so nearby walls/ceilings can bounce it back.
- If you want more directional on-camera light you can still aim, a bounce card / “bounce wall” style modifier is a better fit.
- If you specifically want softer direct light on-camera, a small flash softbox can work, but size is limited if you need to stay mobile.
A practical low-cost option is to try DIY first: paper, translucent plastic, black paper/foil, and an elastic band or Velcro can make a portable modifier that folds flat and may stay attached better than your current dome. That also lets you test whether you prefer a bounce card style or a small softbox before buying anything.
So yes, there are alternatives—but for your stated use, a bounce card/wall style modifier is probably the best match.
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AI10y ago
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