Written on Dec 7th, 2008 by Dave Adams
Posted In: DIY Photography
DIY Photography Flash Diffuser
Post Information and Notes
Constructing a DIY flash diffuser for digital photography.
- Level:Beginner
- Tools:Scissors, Voile, Box
- Time:30 minutes
If you have ever taken a photograph using the modern flash thats built into a DSLR camera, you’ll have probably been amazed at its power, and its ability to make most objects appear harshly lit.
For portrait photography, this harsh lighting becomes even more apparant as the flash creates unflattering shadows and highlights on the subject. The harshness can be dampened down however by using a diffuser.
A diffuser is designed to soften the effects of the flash by spreading out and dampening down the amount of light emitted, reducing the creation dark shadows while still allowing a subject to be properly lit.
Pencils without the aid of a diffuser
As you can see from the above example photograph, a shot taken with the built in flash of a DSLR can leave some very dark shadows. Now look at the same photograph taken with a diffuser attached to the flash. Notice the way the shadows are now lighter.





