Tired of your indoor photos being washed out because of the flash on your camera? Use this photography hack to create a simple flash diffuser using an index card!
I’m not a professional photographer, but I do enjoy trying out new things to get better pictures of my children. I recently got my first DSLR camera. I’ve used my Canon Powershot for the past 4 years and was very happy with it, but am having fun learning about my new camera too.
I learned a tip not too long ago that I wish I had knows years ago!
How to make your own flash diffuser!
I HATE using the flash and rarely use it. Ever. It looks awful when I do, and totally washes out any image with it. So I usually rely on sunny days with lots of natural light for any photo that I really care about. The above photo of Ruby was taken on a cloudy day when the sun popped out for about 5 minutes. But then it went back…and I still wanted to take more photos of her happy little self.
When I saw this quick tip on how to get great photos indoors using a flash diffuser, I had to try it! I used a small white piece of cardstock and covered the flash and here are my results of my little experiment… (any professional photographer will laugh at this because they all know about this, but I just figured it was flash or no flash….I love the in-between).
The first one at the top of the post turned out so pretty! So I decided to test out the flash diffuser. It certainly brightened it up without washing her out like the middle photo did.
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Welcome! I'm Brandy, mother to 5 darling kiddos and a cute black lab named Toby. My husband is in the Coast Guard so we've lived all over the place, turning each house into a home. I love baking, sewing, making cute things with my kids, and sharing what I've learned with all of you!
Love this tip! It seems like such a “Well, duh?” thing, after you hear about it, but I certainly never would’ve thought to try something like this.
Thanks!
How smart! I’ll have to try this!
How smart! I’ll have to try this!
Great tips, thanks for sharing
Wow! Those toes look tasty!
And yes, thank you so much for this. I thought you were going to be all technical, with shutter speed and f stops and all that… A piece of paper I can probably manage. As I’m taking a lot of interior pictures, this will really help. Thank you.
Ha-ha! My favorite way of diffusing light is really old-school…I have a old film canister for 35 mm film, one of the opaque white ones. I cut a slit in it, and slide it over my flash. Works like a charm, and fits in my camera bag great!
How cool! I feel like I can take great photos outside, but my inside photos are embarrassing! Must try this!
I like this way to. Its great when you dont own those realy expensive flashes.
What a great tip! I’m new to DSLR’s and, like you, thought it was an all or nothing deal. It’s great to know the middle option. Thanks for sharing it.
Liz
Diffused certainly is better, isn’t it? I made a little slip on diffuser for my camera using an old white tee shirt.
What a great little hack! I will have to try this.
– Angela Marie @ http://sunkissedivory.blogspot.com
I can’t wait to try this!
Emily
domesticdeadline.blogspot.com
I just made a short paper tube to pop on my DSLR Nikon flash (think mini toilet paper roll cylinder) Then I ran some experiments while my husband watched the baseball game. A willing subject of course. LOL The difference in color and flesh tones is AMAZING. I can’t believe I didn’t figure this out on all my previous cameras as well. Duh me. Ha ah. Thanks for sharing. I will never shoot inside without my paper tube. 😀
Awesome! No more washed out photos, yay! I just wish I had known about it sooner! Thanks for stopping by Gluesticks!