Gary Fong Diffuser
Dec 9, 2019 09:31:59 #
Dec 9, 2019 09:32:00 #
Dec 9, 2019 09:32:14 #
I am glad that you posted a question on using flash. I do not see that here often and flash happens to be an important accessory in photography. I do not believe we have a flash section either.
Your concerns have already been answered and I join previous comments that indeed the diffuser eats a lot of juice. I am not a fan of Gary Fong products, in many cases the light is harder than it should be although his Lightblade seems to be very good except for the price. I can get similar results with a home made cardboard diffuser similar to what Strobist recommends. It is well known how soft and beautiful bounced light could be and I do it all the time.
I like to control my flash output so I go manual flash and as a token my images have all the same illumination. TTL is effective when rapid firing is essential but the flash output will vary depending on the subject. It is very noticeable at times.
You discussed hot light on people's faces before using the diffuser. Were you shooting straight flash before? That is a no-no in photography. The light from the flash is harsh and modifiers are needed to make the light pleasant on the subject.
If you want better flash photography there is plenty of information the Internet. South African wedding and portrait photographer Neil van Niekerk has lots of flash tutorials in his website. I have learn a lot from him.
Your concerns have already been answered and I join previous comments that indeed the diffuser eats a lot of juice. I am not a fan of Gary Fong products, in many cases the light is harder than it should be although his Lightblade seems to be very good except for the price. I can get similar results with a home made cardboard diffuser similar to what Strobist recommends. It is well known how soft and beautiful bounced light could be and I do it all the time.
I like to control my flash output so I go manual flash and as a token my images have all the same illumination. TTL is effective when rapid firing is essential but the flash output will vary depending on the subject. It is very noticeable at times.
You discussed hot light on people's faces before using the diffuser. Were you shooting straight flash before? That is a no-no in photography. The light from the flash is harsh and modifiers are needed to make the light pleasant on the subject.
If you want better flash photography there is plenty of information the Internet. South African wedding and portrait photographer Neil van Niekerk has lots of flash tutorials in his website. I have learn a lot from him.
Dec 9, 2019 10:03:29 #
Although I do have a Fong, I haven't used it for years. I purchased it because one of my bosses demanded it. I am now fully entrenched into Mag Mods and am happy with them. Best of luck.
Dec 9, 2019 10:21:39 #
grtday wrote:
The results from this device is visually amazing. ... (show quote)
It does spread the light more evenly thus needing more power to do so.
I like mine for the same reasons.
Great looking shots.
Dec 9, 2019 10:22:02 #
camerapapi wrote:
I am glad that you posted a question on using flash. I do not see that here often and flash happens to be an important accessory in photography. I do not believe we have a flash section either.
Yes, some here who think that fast lenses solve bad lighting just haven’t seen the light about using flash.
Bad light is still bad light. A flash doesn’t have to look unnatural.
I think a new section devoted to lighting is a great idea. Other forums have it.
I’ve read a lot of misinformed posts regarding the use of flash here, so some who use it could use help as well.
There are several amazing FaceBook groups that cover flash, particularly the off-camera variety, but some people aren’t into FaceBook and believe me, I understand.
If you don’t pose the question to Admin, I will.
Thanks to you and the OP for bringing this up.
Dec 9, 2019 12:10:25 #
StaneeRae
Loc: Lincroft, NJ USA
Gary Fong made a fortune off his strobe attachments.
https://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Millionaire-Succeed-Without-Really/dp/1933771917/
https://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Millionaire-Succeed-Without-Really/dp/1933771917/
Dec 9, 2019 12:13:35 #
StaneeRae wrote:
Gary Fong made a fortune off his strobe attachments.
https://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Millionaire-Succeed-Without-Really/dp/1933771917/
https://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Millionaire-Succeed-Without-Really/dp/1933771917/
Who freaking cares.
You sound jealous that you could not figure out how to do this and make money.
Good for Gary glad as hell that he is successful.
Dec 9, 2019 12:17:51 #
StaneeRae
Loc: Lincroft, NJ USA
Not jealous at all. His book was quite interesting. He’s very creative and is now writing screenplays.
Dec 9, 2019 12:24:09 #
Architect1776 wrote:
Good for Gary glad as hell that he is successful.
Good for Gary glad as hell that he is successful.
I applaud his success!
It does work in the right conditions, but I prefer other techniques in those.
When I see people using them from the stands at a graduation in a big sports arena, I see the need for more/better education.
Most likely the user not paying attention.
(My wife told me not to say anything)
Dec 9, 2019 12:36:10 #
GoofyNewfie wrote:
I applaud his success!
It does work in the right conditions, but I prefer other techniques in those.
When I see people using them from the stands at a graduation in a big sports arena, I see the need for more education. (My wife told me not to say anything)
It does work in the right conditions, but I prefer other techniques in those.
When I see people using them from the stands at a graduation in a big sports arena, I see the need for more education. (My wife told me not to say anything)
That is NOT Gary's fault.
Dec 9, 2019 12:37:28 #
Architect1776 wrote:
That is NOT Gary's fault.
(I edited my previous post to clarify my statement and saw your post after.)
Yes, he’s great at what he does.
Seems like a nice guy too.
Dec 9, 2019 13:14:32 #
I have two Gary Fong diffusers that I use all the time when taking both outdoor and indoor scenes of models. The even distribution of light is fantastic especially in difficult lighting situations outdoors. Well worth the $$. See attached....
Dec 9, 2019 15:16:30 #
I have one of Gary's that fits in the flash shoe and covers the pop up flash on my Pentax K5-IIs. Works great for my home portraits during Christmas, etc. Otherwise, I will use my Metz on the Pentax or as slave to my Fuji X-E3 (don't think it will work in the shoe.)
Dec 9, 2019 17:59:54 #
I looked over my previous post about the Fong light modifier.
I said I didn't think it was worth the money and I stand by that assessment.
However, I didn't say that it actually works.
The Fong Lightsphere will produce soft lighting.
I will not buy one because you can do that by other methods that don't cost a lot of money.
But if you are willing to spend money for the gadget it will work.
Gadgets are not a substitute for understanding the use of light.
I said I didn't think it was worth the money and I stand by that assessment.
However, I didn't say that it actually works.
The Fong Lightsphere will produce soft lighting.
I will not buy one because you can do that by other methods that don't cost a lot of money.
But if you are willing to spend money for the gadget it will work.
Gadgets are not a substitute for understanding the use of light.
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