Shooting Flash through diffuser

[bobman]

Hi all

Just purchased a 5 in 1 reflector and was wondering id anyone shoots a speed gun through the hand held diffuser in lieu of a light stand and umbrella? Obviously will be needing a willing assistant.

 

[minnnt]

I have done that before, works well. They're also great for diffusing the sun. Although you look like a nutter if you're in a park etc when it's windy.

 

[metroman]

I use my 5 in 1 as kneeling pad, a sun shield, a wrap around privacy screen and occasionally a reflector ha ha, I must admit I have never shot through the diffuse aspect of it though, but there is always a first time.

 

[bobman]

Thanks chaps, worth a try at least.

 

[Tony101]

It's an old tried and tested lighting technique.

It's essentially a single diffusion layer softbox without the box.

I've used it in the past either for speed, or if I don't have an additional softbox to hand; and it works well. Just be aware you lose a bit of control and be mindful of the affect of nearby walls.

Have a play, it'll be enjoyable and educational.

 

[MidnightUK]

I have seen them used to fire through.

Also used as hair and clothing fans and to distribute the fog from fog machines by flapping them about.

 

[juggler]

I do, either as a light source or as a white background. As a white background I find I need an extra diffuser e.g. a brolly to get really even coverage.

 

[Sir SR]

Not done that but have used my on camera speedlight angled towards a reflector to give a less harsh result

 

[Phil V]

Not done that but have used my on camera speedlight angled towards a reflector to give a less harsh resultView attachment 76571View attachment 76572

I've also done this occasionally.

 

[Nionyn]

I have a couple of different sized 5-in-1s (one big, one smallish), and I've used them in pretty much every way described in this thread. They're great!
The gold reflective surface is about the only option that I have rarely used (I have tried and rejected it numerous times - one of the few photos where I used it is below).

They're useful for backgrounds (if you have a large one - fnar fnar!), both white and black.
They're perfect for wafting smoke, haze or plain air around, or for directing it where you want it.
They're excellent as reflectors, either for daylight or "studio" light, as a nice neutral fill.
And they're also invaluable as diffusers, as mentioned in the OP.
I've even used the main diffusing 'frame' and the reflective cover separately at the same time (see the second photo below).

I used to use mine as diffusers with a hotshoe flash a lot.
They need to be appropriately positioned, obviously, but they can be a better and more controllable option than a shoot-through umbrella in some circumstances.

Three examples of using a 5-in-1 as a diffuser with a hotshoe flash (in these instances an old-school Vivitar 283) - full lighting info on click-through, if you want it:

Smile! by Nionyn_, on Flickr

Peepshow by Nionyn_, on Flickr

Echo by Nionyn_, on Flickr