This is a quick, down-and-dirty trick I learn at a recent Strobist meet-up. You can soften light from a flash in a number of ways: A soft box, shoot-through umbrella, etc. Have you ever considered using the white inner ring of a 5-in-1 reflector? I never had, but the results are fantastic.
Try out firing a strobe through the inner ring of a 5-in-1 reflector.
The above image was captured using a Nikon SB-900 fired through a white diffuser – the inner translucent ring of a 5-in-1 reflector, held above the model, camera-left. The flash was triggered with a Phottix Tetra wireless flash trigger.
Using something large, like the inside of a reflector, you get super-soft light. Remember: The larger the light source, the softer the light. In this shot, a voice-activated light stand was used, but this could be easily accomplished using a reflector-holder arm on a light stand, with another light stand holding the strobe.
Links to Phottix products for this set-up:
Phottix Reflector Arm
Phottix 5-in-1 Reflector
Phottix Light Stand
Photog Friday is taking a little break. We’re currently seeking out talented photographers to profile and need a few weeks to set it all up. If you’re interested, please contact us.
Another cool little trick that’s related is using the diffuser in front of a softbox. It makes the light really nice.
Great tip, Craig. Thanks for sharing.
I remember this! And true that is my quick and dirty way of doing it if u don’t have an umbrella around. You can also use it to soften the light from the sun.