Dim Flash Loc: Canton, Michigan

I'm looking for suggestions for an on camera flash modifier. I would like something small but effective and easy on and off. This would be for indoor photos with walls and ceilings less than ideal for bounce flash.

agillot

What are you trying to modifies ???

WillieWisconsin

I use this flash modifier from Lite Genius. Works great in my opinion! It comes in two different sizes, with the smaller size probably being the one that you’re looking for to fulfill your need.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1297694-REG/lite_genius_lite_scoop_iii_flash_modifier.html

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I used a kleenex for years. Folded twice or three times depending on the amount of defusion you desire.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

I have tried almost all of the expen$ive big-name flash add-ons and this very simple thing works the very best for me.
You may use it to bounce or for indirect flash. Sometimes simple is best, and that makes me . . .
Smile,
JimmyT Sends

https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Flash-Diffuser-Reflector-Speedlight/dp/B07MYPYJMW/ref=sr_1_11?crid=ROHL657SEB9U&keywords=on%2Bcamera%2Bflash%2Bdiffuser&qid=1701697591&sprefix=on%2Bcamera%2Bflash%2Bmodifier%2Caps%2C82&sr=8-11&th=1

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

I use the Fong Lightsphere.

MrPhotog

“Small, but effective”, unfortunately isn’t going to work. Your on-camera flash is already small, and not giving you the effect you want.

Bounce light is softer because it comes from a large area. Essentially the light from your flash lights up a large circle of the ceiling, and that large circle of brightness illuminates the subject, and most of the room as well.

When the ceiling is gone (outdoors) or too high, you really can’t bounce light off of it.

The usual alternative is to use large flat diffusers or reflectors, or umbrellas. Umbrellas fold up, making them more portable. Generally, from any given distance, The larger the light source the softer the light.

If your flash can be oriented to aim up, a simple 9x12 white card can be taped on at a 45degree angle to give a slightly softer light, particularly when used at portrait distances. Go smaller, or fold it if you need it to fit your gadget bag.

You can fold a larger card, too, but in order to cover the most area with light it needs to be mounted several inches above the flash. Consider using small sticks or dowel rods as supports.

If your flash doesn’t rotate, or even if it does, you may have luck using a common plastic gallon-size milk bottle as a diffuser. Remove a rectangle smaller than your flash, extend the cut lines 1/2” or so and create flexible flaps that hold the bottle (somewhat) securely. It is an ugly and amateurish setup, but does a highly effective job of diffusing the light.

These diffusers also spread the light over a wider field and allow use of very wide angle lenses—but at the same time they waste a lot and will reduce maximum distance.

Simply because the weight and size of a large light source make it very difficult to use on camera, consider getting a light stand to hold your light. Then put your flash with diffuser or reflector on that and connect with cord from camera hot shoe to flash.

Tomfl101 Loc: Mount Airy, MD

I use a Flash Bender 3 from Rogue Flash. You can fold it forward to send light most light straight to the subject, or fold it backward to send more light to a ceiling. I like the control it gives me when I can't use off camera flash or bounce off walls. They make a few different sizes but I use the small one as the large ones get a bit unruly on top of the camera.

dannac Loc: 60 miles SW of New Orleans

2 sheets 8.5 x 11 felt ( self adhere - peel stick )
1 black 1 white
2 velcro straps
Less than $5 ... already had the wire

You can see the outline of the wire placed between sheets
Flexible to bend the top over but stiff enough to hold in place.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Some very nice suggestions here already. I have used the Kleenex tissue successfully for subjects not too far from the camera. The modifiers work well and I would be tempted to go with what dannac suggested.
If you cannot bounce the light from a white wall or a large white subject then the ideas suggested will work fine for you.

alx Loc: NJ

DVZ Loc: Littleton CO

What's that recumbent you're riding? I have an older Bacchetta Ti-Aro with 650 wheels.

MJPerini

There are plenty of fine suggestions here and every one of the modifiers suggested has a place.
I would make a couple of points, whenever you CAN bounce your flash, it is better than a small modifier.
Even times when a ceiling is high ,or off white, you will often get better results by still bouncing and using the little white card that comes with your flash. Pull it up maybe a half inch , so most of the light bounces around the room and the little card fills the subject's face and gives you catchlights and correct color.
None of these small modifiers soften light very much. I have tried lots of them, the best you can expect is to remove a bit of harshness. Softening comes from size of light relative to the subject, and even the bigger attachments are only 6 or 7 inches and most of the light is coming from directly over the lens.
Another trick is an off camera cord, use your modifier and hold the flash at arms length. You can do it wirelessly now. You can also make the equivalent of most of the commercial ones pretty easily, there is no magic to any of them. The problem is all the light is coming from one place, right in front of the subject, and the relative intensity falls off quickly so you still get the flash on camera look. That's why bounce is so potent, and on new flashes it is automatic.
Good luck

Timmers Loc: San Antonio Texas.

You will get loads of responses.
Back in the hay when I was helping with location flash images of individuals and small groups (2 to 5 people) we used something so simple that many think it is too simple, yet it works and other would be photo want to be were delighted. If you take a simple moment you can try this at a simple cost of a few pennies and see if it is for you.

Use the flash in ratio setting (unless you have a flash with head that can swivel around 180, degrees, then you can use the thirstier circuit). I say this as an addition to the basics as the tilt control on many flashes require you to reverse the flash in it's mount on the camera hot shoe to work in tilt mode.

Off the camera (reduces stress to the camera mount), Blow up any balloon, party balloons are the cheapest and expensive ones are not necessary. Obviously you want a simple 'white' balloon. Inflate the balloon so it is about twice the size of the flash or a bit larger. A piece of any aluminum foil is then placed on one side of the balloon such that it will cover about 60% of the balloon. Using CLEAR tape (packing tape is perfect for this) secure the foil to the balloon and then with a bit more clear tape secure the balloon to the flash exit window of the flash, such that the flash will discharge into the balloon and the light will exit out the sides of the balloon as reflected off the aluminum foil reflector mounted on the balloon. Mount the flash on to your camera in REVERSE such that the balloon is facing backwards, as the light will exit the balloon in the direction of your subject.

The effect of the light is vary much like a mini soft box. We found that subjects could be close to the walls and not get an ugly shadow.

Modifiers to the basic concept:
Carry a roll of crushed down clear tape in your bag. Loads of 4extra balloons in case you come across children, they love balloons. Keep folded up large pieces of aluminum foil in with the tape and balloons. That way you are always ready to have a pocket full of sun shine with you all the time. This is also a great way to do fill flash out of doors. Obviously, it is dirt cheap and you can even buy the parts in a few minutes if you run out (shame on you! LOL!!!).

One more hint, if you are asked to do a bachelor or a bachelorette party, do not use a balloon, yes an unlubricated condom is the ticket (just try inflating one of those! LOL!!!). My business partner at the time, a woman, was hired to do one of these parties and she has quite the girl! So smart!

petrochemist Loc: UK

For shooting macro cigarette papers work quite well to diffuse & reduce the power of my flash. In many situations I want soft light and no 'small' device can be really effective at that.