Reader's Comments - Index of - Free

Light
(1) One 3x5" Card (white). (2) Two Large Rubber Bands (From Asparagus Bunches).
This is a bounce technique and requires a suitable white ceiling, Home, Office, etc.
Take your typical "Cobra Style" speedlight, 283, SB-24, SB-28, 550EX, etc. Turn the head upwards at a
90 degree angle. Attach a 3x5" (or 4x6") card to your flash with a pair of large rubber bands so that the
card is on the back side, away from your subject. About 3/5ths of the card should extend above your
speedlight. Fire at will.
The cost is almost nothing. In a pinch you can use the address side of a magazine subscription card
(normally printed black on white) but you will still need two rubber bands. This system folds flat when
not in use so you can store it anywhere.
You forgot yours? Drop by any grocery store and grab a pack of 3x5" cards and a bunch of asparagus.
Don't like raw asparagus? Not to worry, your dog loves asparagus!
The 90 degree bounce flash will provide soft, even, top lighting. The card will fill the soft but sometimes
deep shadows from the "main light" like eye sockets and under the nose & chin and provide catch lights
in the eyes.
Cheap for you, flattering to your subject, delightful for your dog!
-- David Hartman.
-- David H. Hartman, July 30, 2000
Would putting transparent tape(MAGIC TAPE) or a handkerchief over the flash cut down or minimize
"the deer in the headlights" effect for on camera flash? Several years ago I read an artical saying that 1
thickness of the above cut the flash output by one f stop. Any feedback? Thanks.
-- Morgan Whaley, August 19, 2000
Thanks to all for the recommendations on the different types of diffusers. I think I'm going to try the Sto-
Fen Omni Bounce. I also like the quick idea of the 3X5 card. Great for in a pinch.
I recently tried my new Minolta Maxxum 7 with 5600HD flash. Pictures were shot in a small church
with all white/cream walls. I didn't compensate and the photos came out awful. Long shadows cast on
the back walls (despite their distance of more than 10-15' away and the people were underexposed! Next
time I'll compensate +2/3 and try the new diffuser pointed about 45 degrees up. Hopefully, I'll lose the
long black shadows in the background and the photos won't be underexposed.
Anybody have any other recommendations it would be most appreciated.
http://www.photo.net/making-photographs/light (18 of 22)7/3/2005 2:22:38 AM