Light bouncer for SLRs internal flash: Simple and effective

This bouncer differs from others, because it reflects some of the light to the ceiling and some - on the object you are shooting, giving you outstanding result, just like firing up with external flash indoors.

+ It is very easy and quick to make. It takes less than 5 minutes to make it.
+ The mounting/unmounting is very quick
+ When unmounted it fits your pocket.
+ You will need only white cardboard, foil (e.g. from chocolate), and adhesive tape.

Enjoy :)

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Step 1:

You will need some white cardboard, foil (e.g. from chocolate), and adhesive tape.
Scissors, pencil. For more accurate result cutting knife is also desirable.

Cut a rectangle of cardboard which has about 12cm width and about 15cm height. Exact dimensions are not critical.

mgaetani says: Dec 19, 2012. 9:46 AM

Man, this is amazing! you opened me a world! really really a big thanks!

kotoezh (author) in reply to mgaetaniDec 19, 2012. 10:14 AM

You are welcome! Have a good shots! :)

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scoochmaroo says: Nov 11, 2012. 10:48 AM

I definitely want to try this. Do you have any examples of "this photo shot with direct flash" vs "this photo shot with light bouncer"? It would be cool to see the difference!

SienkRJ in reply to scoochmarooDec 2, 2012. 10:18 AM

You can also reference chibibaddy's Before and Afters in her comment above.

kotoezh (author) in reply to scoochmarooNov 11, 2012. 11:10 AM

You are right, I forgot a comparison example. When I first made this bouncer I made tests of course, but that photos were technical and not survived. It's easy to repeat, may be later I'll update last step with it. Thank you!

Girbska says: Nov 16, 2012. 4:52 AM

wow! thank you a lot for this incredible tutorial! it's so easy!

kotoezh (author) in reply to GirbskaNov 16, 2012. 5:54 AM

You are welcome!

deesqrd says: Nov 11, 2012. 3:34 PM

Couple of thoughts. Use non-stick aluminum foil, which looks like it is matted, so you get a more diffuse reflection. Or check thrift stores for old movie screens and cut out a section. That white cardboard probably absorbs a *lot* of light.

kotoezh (author) in reply to deesqrdNov 11, 2012. 9:21 PM

Thanks! I tried several materials, but for instructable selected the most easily accessible. Replacing cardboard with more special material of course makes sense. I am not sure about matted foil - I think mirror-like is more appropriate for the first reflection to avoid loss of light - it will be diffused later anyway by the cardboard and ceiling...

DavidM45 in reply to kotoezhNov 12, 2012. 9:49 AM

Mylar from the inside of some frozen food bags, is very reflective ... hey thanks

chibimaddy says: Nov 11, 2012. 9:06 AM

This looks so interesting. I'm going to give this a try today. I have problems with lighting my small items for photos, the flash is too harsh because I have to get in closely so I am interested to see if I can make this idea work for me. Thank you very much!

kotoezh (author) in reply to chibimaddyNov 11, 2012. 10:57 AM

You are welcome! For very close shots consider a shadow area: probably you will need to make the foil a bit shorter, not to cover the light from cardboard on your object.

I think for your application it will work better if you take a bigger cardboard and to bend it above the objective, reducing shadow area.
Less light will reach the ceiling, but the card itself will act like a ceiling.
Try it, It's interesting to see your photos!

chibimaddy in reply to kotoezhNov 11, 2012. 2:03 PM

You are my saviour! Seriously, you've solved a problem I've been trying to figure out for years. Nothing like having to set up 4 expensive Otte lights to take pictures of something that just a bit over 2 inches. Now I can take my pictures with my camera's flash and nothing else! Thank you so much!