Objective:  to learn how to diffuse your flash so that you can improve the look of your images taken using a flash.

 

I get many complaints from clients about how the flash on their camera makes the images look ugly, flat, contrasty and harsh.  This is all true but there is a solution!  Today I am going to teach you how a little piece of inexpensive equipment, a flash diffuser, can dramatically improve your images.

 

The main problem with flashes is that the light source is small, strong and placed right on top of the camera.  For those of you who have been to my studio, you might have noticed that my lights are big boxes with white fabric over the front.  This makes the light broad and the white fabric diffuses it thereby making it soft.  When we talked about shooting in open shade we talked about why it was so nice- it's because it is big, soft and open.  So, how do we make the light on your flash bigger, softer and better positioned?

 

We diffuse it!  There are many companies that make little devices that velcro onto your flash to help you diffuse the light.  Here is a sampling of the products made by Lumiquest, which are available at most good camera stores.  Good meaning they keep a good array of equipment and accessories.  In Houston, you can see Lumiquest products at either The Houston Camera Exchange or Houston Camera Coop.

 

 

 

All of the above diffusers are used with detachable flashes.  I know they look a little scary but they are really nice  once you get to know them just like a cool new friend.  You do not need to be a pro to use these.

 

The diffusers that I use are made by Gary Fong.  I use the Lightsphere and the Whaletail.  Gary also has a cool diffuser made just for people who have pop up flashes.  It is called The Puffer.  If you have a flash that you take on and off, you would use the Lightsphere.  If your flash pops up, you use The Puffer.

 

All of these diffusers have one thing in common, they make the light softer and broader.  They diffuse it.  The ones that attach to the detachable flash also raise the light up and bounce it, which makes it even softer.

 

The very best part is that you don't shoot any differently really.  You just attach the diffuser and set your camera as you normally would.  This is especially true in the case of The Puffer.  Gary has an awesome video on The Puffer here.

 

Here are some example images.  I took these in my living room last night.  There was NO available light.  I used the Lightsphere and set my camera to AV mode (aperture priority).  These are straight out of the camera- not enhanced or retouched at all.

 

These first images are with the Lightsphere.  What I want you to notice most is that the shadows are soft and the colors look warm and natural.

 

 

 

 

Hot Wheel problem you say??  No, not us.

 

 

 

 

 

These are taken without the Lightsphere.  The shadows are harder and the whites are more bleached out looking.  The whole image feels more harsh.  You can see a classic flash shadow on the right of Finn in the first image.  In the second one the pillow blocks the flash, and because the flash is not soft and broad, it cause a dark shadow on his face.

 

 

 

This picture is cute and the shadow is not so bad but the colors aren't as nice as in the diffused ones.  He was far enough away from the back of the chair so I didn't get the dark shadow.

 

 

Shocking as it may be, Finn decided he was tired of me taking his picture and he didn't want to sit still any longer.  So, many thanks to my Chihuahua, Phoebe, for letting me finish up with this side by side.  This set of images shows with and without diffusion.  The left is shot with the diffuser and the right with the flash alone.

 

 

 

It makes a huge difference doesn't it?  I never use flash without a diffuser. Once you get used to it being there, it just becomes an awesome tool that you can't live without.  If you have the same flash frustrations that I so often hear about, please give it a try.  I think you'll love it!

 

Your homework- don't fear the diffuser!  I am inspired and fueled by your awesome comments about these lessons.  Please keep them up and show me some of your images!

 

Class Reminder:  I am doing a workshop at my studio on Saturday May 10th from 10 am until 4 pm.  The class is about taking better photos of your children.  We are almost full as I type so if you are interested in the workshop, please register soon!  Call us to sign up- (713) 255-2882.  This class is intended for non-pros who like to shoot for fun.  You will need to have a digital SLR (no point-and-shoots please).  The class is limited to 15 students to ensure a lot of photo TLC and personal attention.  The cost is $100 per person.  Give us a call if you have any questions.