As photographers we have to work with light. Like many photographers I have a lot of flash modifiers. Some spreed the light, some bounce the light, some hide the light. Every time I shoot a wedding in places that are lacking light and have high ceilings I always wish I had a flash card in my tool kit. So...having some free time I decided to attempt to make a flash card. For the record a flash card is used when you bounce light but still want some directional light to open shadows.
I found a foam visor at Walmart for $1. Ordered a LumiQuest velcro strap. The tools I used were a ruler, velcro strips and x-acto knife.
Next measure and cut the foam visor to fit the flash. Then add the velcro strips. They are self adhesive on the back. They didn't stick very well so I ended up using staples which held better.
When the flash foam is attached to the camera it looks like this. This makes it easier to direct the light.
Now for the test. The top picture is direct flash. Noticed the hard shadow behind the model (Dylan). Not good, I try never to have strait on flash, ever.
The middle picture is the flash bounced off the ceiling which I do like and use. But usually no catch light in the eyes and notice the shadows on the face from his glasses.
The flash foam bottom picture. The light was bounced off the ceiling (softer shadow behind him) and the flash foam is shooting a little direct light (notice the reflection on his glasses). I like that look and the colors look better to me.
The flash foam will be easy to store and is kinda cool if I say so myself. Now I can't wait for my next wedding to bust out the DIY flash foam.
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