Light Modifiers

Images "borrowed" from Demb Flash Diffusers

Ever wonder why "professional" photos look different from "amateur" photos? One of the reasons could be due to the use of flash diffusers like the one pictured above.

Light modifiers like the "Demb Flash Diffuser Pro" help to change the quality of the light that is generated from portable electronic flash units. With its use, the light can be made very directional or less directional. This can change the effect of the light and create or minimize shadows.

In general, the larger the light source, the "softer" the light (meaning the more diffuse it is.) This minimizes shadows. Often this is desirable, but sometimes having more shadows is good too.

Bouncing light from the ceiling or from walls instead of aiming the flash directly at the subject can soften the quality of the light dramatically. So to take advantage of this softened light, often you will see professional photographers aim their flash heads straight up to the ceiling. But by doing this, light comes mostly from above and that can cause shadows in the eye sockets of people. To minimize this effect, aiming a smaller amount of light forward using the white bounce card on the Demb modifier will help reduce or eliminate the darkened eye socket effect.

Little tricks of the trade!