Another DIY Macro Flash Diffuser (Page 2): Elliott, I have several commercially made flash diffusers and I could fill boxes with those that I've experimented with for the three macro...

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

ecobin wrote:

That's a very clever set up. The diffusion looks good.

Elliott, I have several commercially made flash diffusers and I could fill boxes with those that I've experimented with for the three macro Speedlights I have. I've learned that the result of the diffusion of light is important, not how it was done. That opens the opportunity to experiment with techniques and materials. Even when the results come out the same, the joy is in keeping the mind and body active by thinking and doing.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

raymondh wrote:

I now feel guilty for having tossed out all the potential flash modifying containers - Redi Whip, chip Dip . . .

Raymond, Many of us old folks remember wearing "Red Goose Shoes" and if you are one of them, their jingle was, "Half the fun of having feet is Red Goose Shoes". Now that we are older, we can say, Half the fun of having a camera is being able to play!"

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

From the mind of the master.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

kpmac wrote:

From the mind of the master.

Kpmac, thanks for the kind reply. Just waiting for things to green up here and I'll know we've turned the corner when the purple dead nettles start to dot the yard for they are among the first to appear.

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

I just did a search for 'tilting flash shoe' and got several. Here is one. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/109450-REG/Kaiser_201200_Adjustable_Flash_Shoe.html
The trick would be to pick one that really holds position firmly.

A hard test for a diffuser is on something very shiny. A ladybug for example. The holy grail is highlights that are not blown out.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Mark Sturtevant wrote:

I just did a search for 'tilting flash shoe' and got several. Here is one. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/109450-REG/Kaiser_201200_Adjustable_Flash_Shoe.html
The trick would be to pick one that really holds position firmly.

A hard test for a diffuser is on something very shiny. A ladybug for example. The holy grail is highlights that are not blown out.

Oh, Mark...my search for the Holy Grail of illumination is never-ending as others in their quest will also testify. It's also a fun venture that occupies time on those cold grey days stuck indoors. Specular highlights are the bane of the flash macro photographer's existence and as Sherlock Holmes, had often said, "The game is afoot!"

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

sippyjug104 wrote:

Raymond, Many of us old folks remember wearing "Red Goose Shoes" and if you are one of them, their jingle was, "Half the fun of having feet is Red Goose Shoes". Now that we are older, we can say, Half the fun of having a camera is being able to play!"

Don't recall Red Goose shoes. However, my sneakers were "Joe Lapchicks" & unlike Air Jordan's, they barely got me off the ground.

flyboy61 Loc: The Great American Desert

That comes under the heading of: "Now why didn't I think of that?" Well done!

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

flyboy61 wrote:

That comes under the heading of: "Now why didn't I think of that?" Well done!

Thanks, Flyboy61. I have three dedicated macro flash systems as well as an assortment of diffusers for them. For an "almost cost nothing" diffuser, I'm very pleased with how well it works.

I picked up a yard of China White polyester fabric that a dressmaker would use to line their clothing. It's silk-like in texture and it makes a great diffusion material. I cut the center out of the cottage cheese container leaving only the ring and placed the cloth over it and pressed the ring down....PERFECT stretch and fit. Although the inside of the container was bright white, I lined it with aluminum foil, mostly to avoid any color casting.

I like it so much that I've painted it black so it looks less "cheesy" now.

flyboy61 Loc: The Great American Desert

sippyjug104 wrote:

Raymond, Many of us old folks remember wearing "Red Goose Shoes" and if you are one of them, their jingle was, "Half the fun of having feet is Red Goose Shoes". Now that we are older, we can say, Half the fun of having a camera is being able to play!"

Well said! I have a blue million (it seems) accessories for "Macro" and I'm trying to simplify my goodies. The "Cheezy" diffuser, and the tilting shoe mount are great! Now, if only I could find one! Meanwhile, my "field expedient" solution will do, and is much handier than the small softbox with Bowens mount and loooong synch cord!

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Blenheim Orange wrote:

Thanks, Blenheim Orange.

flyboy61 Loc: The Great American Desert

Sippy;
I have the container, but am striking out finding the synch/tilt thingie. I'll keep at it and some day...