 Bobbi Agens |
Light Play OK, before you read this let it be known that I am a "bare bones beginner" so hopefully it won't sound too stupid. Later this evening when I get home I want to play with some lighting techniques. I have a bedroom with a white entry like a foryer (I have no clue how to spell that) and I was going to try a couple things. One of them is to put a flap of milk carton over the flash to diffuse it. I got that idea out of Jeff Wignall's book. The other thing I want to try is lining some tin foil to "bounce" the flash, but where do I put it? Should I just try a couple different areas? I'm trying for a "portriat" look. I haven't received my camera yet so for tonight I'm using a point and shoot Kodak DX6490. Thanks so much for any replies and I hope this doesn't sound too silly!!!
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TERESA J. SWEET |
No worries…asking questions is how you learn =) I never heard of the milk carton trick, but if it was in a book, heck, it's worth a try! What's the worst that it can happen, right? As for bouncing the flash, you could definitely try it in different areas. I've heard that even white posterboard works well too to use. Or maybe try both and see if there's a difference? Let us know how you make out with it! Good luck and have fun! Most is trial and error and I think that's the best way to learn! =)
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A C |
I've used a milk carton for macro shots. If you cut out the top you can stick your camera in and shine the light through the carton - I read that out of a book as well. I used a thin layer of toilet paper over my flash unit. For the given situation is worked great. In fact, I've tried it a couple of time. After a while you get weird looks though. hehe. What kind of flash are you using? is it the on-camera flash, or did you purchase a separate flash unit? The on-camera flash isn't the best thing to use in most cases. Using a separate flash unit made the world of difference in my pictures cuz I can bounce it off the ceilings and walls. Plus there are other controls that you don't have with the on-camera flash.
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Pete H |
Hello Bobbi, It sounds like the milk carton idea is probably more for "bounce" than shooting thru it..I would think the thickness would really eat a lot of the flash intensity. Hmm? You are on the right track though. Straight on flash is usually quite UN-complimentary, esp with people as subjects. What ever you place over the flash is for diffusion, unless you start getting into colored gels. (another discussion) Final thought: The further the diffusion material is from the flash, the more "softness" or diffusion you will achieve. All the best, Pete
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A C |
Sorry, I meant a milk jug ... not a box/carton. I used it as a sort of light tent and used lamps around it. ;o)
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