Gary Fong Lightsphere flash diffuser: I'm not sure how many people struggle with Flash photography. I did. Although years ago, I bought a Vivitar 283 and with an old Canon AE-1 Film...

sxrich

I'm not sure how many people struggle with Flash photography. I did. Although years ago, I bought a Vivitar 283 and with an old Canon AE-1 Film camera, learned to bounce the flash and ended up with a superb picture. Anyway, I shoot primarily events and there are situations where flash becomes necessary. I bought the Gary Fong for $49. dollars american. Its the older model, non collapsible. Had it attached to an sb700 and I really like it. Use it indoors, outdoors, weddings, parties etc. I'm attaching some pics that I took at a grand opening for an acting agency. Ironically, there was a secondary photographer who was there from a newspaper I believe. He had the very same Gary Fong that I was using. So, here are some pics, look at the softness of the light, lack of shadows behind people even when they're almost against a wall. Images were shot with a Nikon d750, Nikon 24-70 2.8 typically wide open, with flash bounced and dome attached/inverted on the Gary Fong.

(Download)

TBerwick Loc: Houston, Texas

That's a great attachment. No blasted out highlights. I need to look for a Fong.

Robeng Loc: California

TBerwick wrote:

That's a great attachment. No blasted out highlights. I need to look for a Fong.

Or you can do what Fong originally did, and used a clear plastic soup container from a Chinese restaurant. Save yourself some money.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

The Fong Lightsphere is a great tool, but for some reason, is much maligned by YouTube Photographers and others who do not, or refuse to, understand it's real utility. I have rescued many a bad shooting situation with a strobe and the Lightsphere. And,believe it or not, Robeng, the LS directs and focuses light, which a soup container will not.

Robeng Loc: California

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

The Fong Lightsphere is a great tool, but for some reason, is much maligned by YouTube Photographers and others who do not, or refuse to, understand it's real utility. I have rescued many a bad shooting situation with a strobe and the Lightsphere. And,believe it or not, Robeng, the LS directs and focuses light, which a soup container will not.

Well if you ever get a chance to talk to Gary and ask him where he got the idea from, I'm sure he will enlighten you from where he got the concept.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice.

Reenie

I use it too and love it, but recently took a shot where I didn't realize there was a picture frame on the wall behind the subject. A big white diffuser reflection showed up in the picture and had to be edited out.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I purchased one and never used it, partly because it wasn't collapsible and didn't fit in the bag. But when it was stolen, I purchased a new collapsible one. Still haven't used it. But it's there if I need it! I RARELY use flash.

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Very good series Rich.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Robeng wrote:

Well if you ever get a chance to talk to Gary and ask him where he got the idea from, I'm sure he will enlighten you from where he got the concept.

Who cares? That does not diminish the utility of the Lightsphere.

Robeng Loc: California

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Who cares? That does not diminish the utility of the Lightsphere.

Obviously you do because you keep bringing the s#*t up!

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I have also used the Fong Litesphere. Nowadays, I prefer the Mag Mod system as I find it easier to carry around and setup. Both do work, but it seems (not a scientific assessment) that the Mag Mod 'steals' less flash power! YMMV. Best of luck.

Cheese

cjc2 wrote:

I have also used the Fong Litesphere. Nowadays, I prefer the Mag Mod system as I find it easier to carry around and setup. Both do work, but it seems (not a scientific assessment) that the Mag Mod 'steals' less flash power! YMMV. Best of luck.

I have not used the Fong, but I love the images from my Mag Mod.