DIY Gary Fong Lightsphere

Step 8 Before/After comparisons

Below are three sample shots of different lighting conditions:

1. Straight flash

2. Stofen Omni-Bounce

3. AG Bouncer

Comments

[billkeshlear]

Just want to add a couple tips that I didn't see mentioned: 

1. Make sure you build it so the bumps on the plastic are on the inside, and the smooth surface is on the outside.

2. If your flash has a "wide panel" use it (along with this diffuser).

The first time I built this, I didn't do either of those - and saw mediocre results.  But after turning it inside out, and using the wide panel, I see really excellent results.

I don't have a light sphere to compare to, but I have a couple other light modifiers (a Hughes reflector, and a Fong origami), and this is much better than either of those.

Thanks for putting this out there!

[rensuchan]

Interestingly enough, I found mine to work better without the built in wide panel of a Nikon SB-700... I think TTL flash might have increased the output of the flash to compensate for the panel and created a harsher shadow.

Nonetheless, I love this thing. Since the rolls are dirt cheap at Ikea I might mess with a few design changes to see if I can create even softer lighting!

[tww1fa]

Does putting the bumps on the inside really make that much of a difference? I can see the wide panel being a big improvement, but I'm wondering if you tested it with the bumps on the outside and the wide panel?

[wsecomp]

A little critiquing on the photos on the last step:

#1...Straight flash...ech! But that was the point, right? :)

#2...IMO, the most natural coloring of the subject of the the three. A fill light below or to the side would have eliminated the shadowing. HOWEVER, if you look at the resulting flash color from this diffuser, it has a green tint on the wall behind. (I work on a color-corrected monitor for work [photography for the web and print catalogs], so it may show up as a different tint on someone else's monitor.)

#3...Virtually no shadow, but the stool is over-lighted.

I agree with others...a human subject would most likely be a better example, as there are varying color tones and textures, rather than a black object.

Some other items to test with is macro photography. Using a diffuser makes a HUGE difference over straight flash!! I've only used my own, using the thin packing material sheets, but the difference is amazing. One of these days, I'll get around to posting an 'ible for a different one that can have different options (unless someone beats me to it).

[1234567]

Brilliant tutorial/tool...works great & the price is right <G>

Here's another thought...you can cut about 3 of these out of the liner material and that leaves a strip about 4.5cm wide...you probably have some extra velcro...use these to make a small diffuser for your pop-up flash!
Great addition, especially if your "large" flash has remote capabilities - or you're off without it!
(I use the Pentax AF-540-FGZ with my Pentax K-10D)

[Lorellai]

Ingenious -ible! I have a roll of this Ikea drawer liner in a cupboard somewhere and shall be using a small piece of it for my digicam pop up flash ; ) (I use Canon SX200 IS and find the flash creates harsh shadows when I'm trying to shoot things close up.)

[philslizzy]

What an excellent and easy project. I must go to Ikea!. By the way when I first saw your photo at the beginning of this instructible I thought you had used bubble wrap. I may give bubble wrap a go as i can get tons of it at work. But Ikea here I come!

[arturg]

I used bubble wrap as well and it does pretty much the same as this design. However this design is a lot easier to attach and remove from use than a bubble wrap and is more rigid, won't break so easily.

[seriozni]

I spent a lot of time with test of diffusers like lumiquest, foil diffusers, mini softboxes etc. But I have to say - this solution is the best. It’s cheapest, production is easy and results are unbelievable. Shadows are extremely soft and you loose only little power of flash. This diffuser is really portable and is easy to take it anywhere. Great!

[arturg]

I spent ridiculous amount of days and sleepless nights trying to figure out a way to improve my flash photography and came out with this one. I'm glad to hear you like it :)

[fooboomagoo]

I've been an amature photographer for a number of years and have taken a stab at making a few little gadgets over the years like snoots. This thing is the best though. The Gary Phong Lightsphere retails for about 60 bucks depending on the shop. Grand total for my home made one is less than 10. Thanks for putting this up. Much appreciated.

[arturg]

Lightsphere is nothing scifi, its just a plastic around your flash just like this one of mine ;-)

[Lucian_M]

I payed more than 30 USD for a Gary Fong-type Lambency flash diffuser (clear type) and I only used it only two weddings, no spectacular results. Now it rests on the shelf, it was monted on a Nissin Di622 on my nikon d80, now I sold the flash and bought a SB600, wich is GREAT, but don-t fits Lambency (the hole of Lambency is larger, ablut 1/2"). So, as nobody want's to buy Lambency (about 1/3 of shop price), i left it away. Brand-new, staying on the shelf. If I knew about this article, do you think I could be so stupid spending this money for almost nothing? That's it, no return money. Great job, man, keep it going, your ideeas are very good. Please excuse my english.

[arturg]

I'm sorry to hear. This is exactly why I try to stay far away from products that only fit one model. What happens when you upgrade to better and bigger? Well, you just told us...

[rajooc]

As they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. These picture examples are proof enough to save my money and build my own "lightsphere". Thanks.

[gslusher]

Good shot showing the results!