Make an Emergency Flash Diffuser

Taking a picture of something and the flash keeps blowing it out, but if you remove the flash, it is too dark? If so, leave the flash on and diffuse it with a makeshift method that will rescue your photos!

Knowing When to Use a Flash Diffuser

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   Realize when you need to use a diffuser. For point-and-click photographers, it is helpful to understand there are times in photography when a diffuser for your flash can make all the difference between a good photo and a poor one. Diffusers help to create more natural and softer lighting. In particular, a diffuser can help:

   
   
   
   

   

   
   

   
   

   • Taking a photo with white components. Without a diffuser, you are liable to get blown out white.
     
     
     
   
   
   • If strong shadows are falling on your subject or object, a diffuser will help to minimize or remove the shadows.
     
     
     
   
   
   • If the lighting in the images looks unnatural and harsh, a diffuser is required.
   
   

   Preparing a Makeshift Emergency Diffuser

   
   

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      Find something that you can wrap around your flash. Repurpose whatever you have available––you could use a scrunchie, rubber band, piece of Velcro, or duct tape.

      
      
      
      

      
      

      

      
      

      
      

      
      

      
      

      
      

      
      

      
      

      • Check for fit.
        
        
        

        
        

        

        
        

        
        

        
        

        
        

        
        

        
        

        
        

        
        
      
      

      
      
   
   
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      Use something thin and white. For example, a plastic grocery bag (a white one) will do the job well.

      
      
      
      

      
      

      

      
      

      
      

      
      

      
      

      
      

      
      

      
      

      • Other possibilities include:
        
        • White sandwich wrap or wax paper––just be sure to rub off the sandwich crumbs first!
          
          
          
        
        
        • Thin piece of white paper you might have in your bag
          
          
          
        
        
        • Thin white handkerchief or perhaps a tissue
          
          
          
        
        
        
        
      
      

      
      
   
   
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      Attach the emergency diffuser object to your flash. This quick fix will work for both an onboard flash and an off-camera flash.

      
      
      
      

      
      

      

      
      

      
      

      
      

      
      

      
      

      
      

      
      

      
      
   
   
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      Try again. Retake the photograph and see the amazing difference adding a diffuser makes.

      
      
      
      

      

      
      

      
      

      Things You’ll Need

      
      

      
      

      • Some type of band
      
      
      • White grocery store bag, tissue paper, or something similar.
      
      

      
      

      
      
      
      
   
   

   
   
   
   

Source: Make an Emergency Flash Diffuser