Question on Experiences with Sto-Fen OmniBounce

05/31/2008 11:47:11 PM · #1

I was just wondering if someone can comment on my recent experiences with the sto-fen diffuser. I don't have pics to post since they are all of children at a party, but I can dictate my question just as easy.

Equpiment - Canon 580EX capped with the stofen omni-bounce diffuser. Most taken at 45 degrees from horizontal. Flash is on camera. (I do have a bracket, just wanted direct comparison)

Situation - Shooting with a very high ceiling (10 foot), in a 20 x 20 ft room. Also shooting in an outdoor tent, with angled ceiling 6-8 feet high.

Experience - After shooting with the diffuser, it seems to have done the job. However, it also seems to add a bit of direct flash to the subjects, often casting a shadow in line with the flash. Now, I know a bracket will solve it, but rarely did I see such a shadow without the diffuser. It also seemed that when I angled the flash 90 degrees from horizontal, with the diffuser, there was still a minor hint of a direct flash. But, overall, the photos seemed much more balanced than if I did not have a diffuser on at all.

Conclusion - It seems that if I'm not using a diffuser, I'll get the softest light with the least amount of direct light, but the photos may not be entirely balanced as it would depend on where the light was bounced from. But, if I put on a diffuser, I'll get the best balance photo, but a small amount of direct flash.

Just wondering what others have experienced, and if I'm a little off base here on my thoughts.

Thanks,
Paul

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

06/01/2008 08:08:06 AM · #2

...bump...

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

06/01/2008 09:45:13 AM · #3

You're right on target. When you put the diffuser on there, the light coming from the flash head is scattered in all directions, some directly toward the subject. So it's natural that you will get some "direct flash" effect. Also, because this particular diffuser does not increase the apparent size of the (direct) light source, any shadow cast will be harsh.
Try this: remove the diffuser, and set the flash head manually for widest coverage (24mm I believe). Direct the flash up and slightly forward (or straight up if the subject is quite close). The idea is to get the right "bounce angle" off the ceiling. If the ceiling is tilted, as a tent is, you may want to compensate for that.

06/01/2008 09:20:20 PM · #4

Thanks. So basically, what I'm seeing is expected. So, why do I see so many professional photographers with it?

I took a variety of shots today for my nephew's baptism. For some, I used the omni-bounce, others, I took it off to compare. I also used a bracket for all shots.

The photos taken without the diffuser left no side shadow, but left some faces dark, especially if they were looking down. The omni-bounce did a great job of filling in every bit around the subjects. But, even with the bracket, you can see the shadow of the diffused direct light. It was diffuse though, which is good, as it didn't have the signature sharp edges and deep dark black look.

So,with this experience, do photographers then use the omni-bounce or other similar to simply help fill in light where they just can't get it, and just accept the minor shadow?

Message edited by author 2008-06-02 06:25:27.