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A Beginnerв s Introduction To Flash Modifiers

2012-02-01 13:00
Modern Digital SLR flashes do a wonderful job of putting out a large punch of light in a specific direction. Nowadays they even zoom with the lens for more directed light. But what happens when that direct light is too harsh, casting ridged shadows This happens often in an indoor setting, especially with groups of people, such as at a party. Flash modifiers to the rescue! September of 2010 Introducing Flash Modifiers While there are a plethora of flash modifiers out there, this article will focus on just a few of the basic, less expensive models which may aid you in your photography. Each of the modifiers listed here attach to a flash in a number of fashions. Some require Velcro and others slide over the end of the flash, requiring the purchase of the correct model to match your flash. All photos in this set were taken with a Canon 7D and two flashes. I used two flashes because the Velcro on one flash would not permit the Opteka to slide over the end. The strength of the flashes was balanced to maintain consistency. All images are shot at 38mm (45mm equivalent) at a distance of about seven feet. ISO 100, f/3.5 and 1/60 second except the ambient photo, which was 1.6 seconds. The ceiling is standard height and all photos were shot RAW and then corrected to 5400K. This is only to represent the lighting effect of each modifier, especially when mixed with ambient light, which taking out the variable of auto white balance. The voluntary model in this shoot is none other than me. While I am often mistaken for a one man party (especially with a backwards baseball hat), this test is meant to be simple, showing coloring and shadow differences between the modifiers. First up is the control photo. This image is shot with ambient light in the darkened corner which I stand. The orange cast is from the room lights. You will see evidence of this in later photos when bounce modifiers are used. And now the 580EX II flash fired directly towards the subject. Opteka Flash Diffuser The first diffuser example is from Opteka. It is a simple unit, retailing for $10US. It slides on the end of the flash and is molded to match contours, making it less functional if Velcro strips are already in place. Its intent is to give your flash more of an all around, bare light-bulb feel. It works best when angled at 45 degrees up and partially bounced off the ceiling. This first photo shows the effect when simply placed on the flash and fired straight forward, diffusing some of the light. The light color has changed a bit because of the coloring of the plastic. Features are a little less harsh although I could still use a shave. Shadows are about the same. Now let 8217;s tilt it up to 45 degrees as suggested by the manufacturer. Shadows are decreasing around my head, but because of the bounce, shadows around my sleeves have become longer. Toning is more even, more pleasant. Finally I ll point the flash straight up at 90 degrees and see what happens with both ceiling bounce and indi...
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