Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

I hope to one day make a simple diffuser, but when I set about trying to make one, they sort of evolve into a complicated diffuser. But there can be ideas in here that others might find useful.
My flash is the Venus/Laowa dual head flash, which is a strange, expensive, and fully manual flash. The label is KuangRen, but it's really Venus/Laowa (?) I don't understand what the Chinese are up to. Anyway, here is the flash and the current diffuser.
Party bowl diffuser, 2.0 by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

The bowls are these 7" wide plastic party bowls that are deeply slanted, made by PlasticPro and sold on Amazon. They are set so the short side of the slanted bowls face the lens, and the long sides are to the outside. This is so I can make them sort of wrap around the subject.
Diffuser by Marcoli Sturtevantione, on Flickr

But I can turn them in other directions.
Front by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

The bowls have T-shaped openings cut into the base to fit the flash heads and the first couple segments of the stem. Accessory holes are used to strap the heads in with removable zip ties. That's right. There are zip ties that can be un-zipped! Little wood blocks are glued to the flash heads with silicone sealant. This is to keep the heads from rotating.
BaseDetail2 by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
BaseDetail by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

The interior is lined with silvery HVAC tape.
Inside1 by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

And the diffusing material is 100% nylon trim fabric. This cloth really spreads out the light, but you have to use multiple layers. I use 3 spaced layers. This is the innermost layer...
Inside2 by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

The middle layer is attached about halfway out, and the last layer is the front of the flash.

The diffusers are strapped onto the lenses with elastic velcro straps from a CPAP mask. Because of the flexibility of this whole rig, with the bendy arms of the flash and the elastic velcro straps, I can firmly anchor the flash heads in any position to any of my lenses (I use 4 different lenses for different occasions). The 'rivets' holding the velcro straps are brass paper fasteners.
The quote comes from Book 2 of The Lord of the Rings.
Diffuser by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

The are other details, and I will be happy to answer questions.

Here are examples. The 2nd one you've seen before but it shows the reflection of the diffusers.
Ladybugs by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Bold Jumping spider by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Thank you for looking!

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

That is an amazing rig that bears a strong resemblance to an insect.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

👍👍👏

roxiemarty Loc: Florida

You brought a huge smile to my face! But I do see it now.........

roxiemarty Loc: Florida

Thanks for explaining all of it and posting the images. I'm just starting to get into more macro after many years..........I doubt if I can make this, but it gives me more ideas of where to start. Very good photos too.

sscnxy

Mark,
I truly enjoy studying your posts for insights into your superb macro photography. Once again, your ingenuity with self-made gear shines.

NY

bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Wow! Quite a rig and the results were excellent!

napabob Loc: Napa CA

thanks for sharing, it's working well for you....

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

There is the proven cake receipt given to us by Mark Sturtevant and yet, few bake.

aliexpress is a great source of low cost camera accessories and parts so, whats my and your excuse?

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

I've certainly never tried them. A practical concern is their return policy, but I don't know if that is a legitimate concern.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Mark, "Sometimes it's more about the journey than the destination." Your creativity has produced amazing results with proof in the quality of your control of illumination.

The quest for more perfect diffused light is a never-ending search. The Holy Grail will most likely be found before a photographer finds the perfect diffused light.

There are as many ways to diffuse light as there are ways to imagine how to do it. As Sherlock Holmes often said, "The game is afoot!"

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

That is interesting, and it works well