Weddingguy wrote:
I understand very well. If the card is parallel to the direction of the flash it can only throw a small amount forward and 90% of the light goes right past the card to the ceiling. In order to throw more of the light toward the subject, the flash has to be tilted towards the subject, or the "card/reflector" has to catch the light to redirect it. Therefore the "card/reflector" cannot be a flat card parallel to the flash head. (see image)
If I see my teacher in the future I'll be sure to point out how much of an idiot he is.
He is quite old, and has been a pro working in the area since his 20's. He'll be glad to hear it.