06-DEC-2011
The Gary Fong Lightsphere. There are variations of this unit. I have one in clear, but this cloud version is supposed to be the softest light style. Newer versions are collapsable, however, when open, are even larger than this older model. I have always liked the results from this item, but it is certainly rather ugly and goofy looking on your camera / flash. Plus, it throws light everywhere, though that is one reason it gives the soft, even lighting on the subject. The actual product does not have the strong brownish look that appears here. I am now wondering if I should have used the clear Lightsphere instead of the cloud model, though the cloud does gives a small degree of softer light, at the expense of power consumption.
06-DEC-2011
The Peter Gregg Flashright. A much smaller, more "professional" looking device than the Lightsphere. The top dome can be rotated for bounce purposes.
06-DEC-2011
Here the dome of the Flashright is turned to the rear.
06-DEC-2011
The Gary Fong Lightsphere on the flash / camera.
06-DEC-2011
Flashright on camera with the dome facing front. There is a white index mark to easily see how the unit is oriented.
06-DEC-2011
Here the index mark has been moved to the left to place the dome "opening" facing the right. The dome turns easily, but is still tight enough that it will not move on it's own.
06-DEC-2011
Here the dome "opening" is turned so it is rear facing for bounce lighting.
06-DEC-2011
How the "victim" sees it all. Certainly makes you look better than having the Fong "Tupperware" facing your subject! Of course, they might not laugh at you with this like they sometimes do with the Tupperware on your flash!
06-DEC-2011
To start, a shot will be taken with bare flash directly on the subject. (Ummm... excuse the open closet)!
06-DEC-2011
Bare flash aimed directly to subject. Looks quite bad, as expected, but do not count out using bare flash just yet. More on that later.
06-DEC-2011
Gary Fong Lightsphere. Soft, even light on subject as expected from past experience with this product. Note: I have not made any effort to color correct any of these test photos, so there will be color variations. Actually, it is a good example of how these diffusers affect the color in a scene. These are all JPEG shots straight out of camera. Typically, I would shoot RAW with a WhiBal color correction grey card.
06-DEC-2011
Flashright with dome aimed to front. Decent light, somewhat less soft than the LIghtsphere.