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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> Backdrop colors strobist style
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Showing posts 1 - 18 of 18, (reverse)
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 04/17/2009 09:13:23 PM · #1
I felt like experimenting today. I don't own any backdrops, so I tried creating one with the flash.

I used ordinary balloons as flash "gels". Next time, I'll try and find some cheaper quality balloons, perhaps the colors won't be quite as strong then.

I stuffed a clear plastic bag full of scrunched up clear cellophane paper to scatter the light.

Tried it all out on a very dark laundry wall and was ever so pleased with the result!

The tiny little pics don't do it justice, it actually worked quite well even though the colors were VERY strong. Backing away further (which I couldn't do) or introducing some more ambient light would also have helped to "dilute" the colors.



04/17/2009 09:57:26 PM · #2
NIce tip!!

left a comment iguess I should have posted here.

How did you use the scatterbag? Did you put it in front of the balloon covered flash?
04/17/2009 10:05:31 PM · #3
Originally posted by LVicari:

How did you use the scatterbag? Did you put it in front of the balloon covered flash?

Yes, exactly. Having the flash light go through the plastic caused the nice mottled look.
 04/17/2009 10:07:29 PM · #4
Thats brilliant!

Saves tons of money on backdrops or gels. Sweet I am going out to buy some rubbers now!

Leo
 04/17/2009 10:49:27 PM · #5
I've used tissue paper and a homemade cardboard softbox just messing around. Any idea how much light you're losing?
 04/17/2009 11:11:41 PM · #6
Thats a nice tip... thanx a ton... :) 1$ alternative.. cool..
 04/18/2009 12:01:23 AM · #7
Ive been just using the lee filter samples over top of my 430ex, got a crapload of colours to choose from and I just flip down the wide angle diffuser on the flash and it holds the gels just great and got the sample pack for free from my local camera store :)...

-dave
 04/18/2009 12:29:43 AM · #8
What a cool idea - thanks for sharing.

Have you taken any portraits like this? I would love to see them if you have.
 04/18/2009 01:21:31 AM · #9
man thats awesome :)
Thanks for sharing, I have to try this :)
Cheers,
 04/18/2009 01:24:20 AM · #10
The results do look interesting, but take this into consideration...

Be very careful with those balloons stretched over your flash. Just to get an idea why, fire the flash at full power once with your hand over the lens.
 04/18/2009 01:50:29 AM · #11
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
The results do look interesting, but take this into consideration...

Be very careful with those balloons stretched over your flash. Just to get an idea why, fire the flash at full power once with your hand over the lens.


After reading the OP first thing to come to my mind, was man that is a lot of heat to hold on the flash head.

Matt

Edit to add, firing it off at full blast several times might actually melt a cheaper balloon to your head. Full time color filter!

Message edited by author 2009-04-18 01:51:13.
 04/18/2009 03:43:28 AM · #12
Originally posted by MattO:
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
The results do look interesting, but take this into consideration...

Be very careful with those balloons stretched over your flash. Just to get an idea why, fire the flash at full power once with your hand over the lens.


After reading the OP first thing to come to my mind, was man that is a lot of heat to hold on the flash head.

Matt

Edit to add, firing it off at full blast several times might actually melt a cheaper balloon to your head. Full time color filter!


I can attest to this. I've had a flash produce a big puff of smoke putting non heat-resistant materials over the flash head. The results was a permanent warming gel effect due to the burnt spot on the flash itself.

Message edited by author 2009-04-18 03:44:05.
 04/18/2009 10:37:20 AM · #13
Oh heck, don't burst my balloon bubble!!

I did use my older flash and I touched the head right after it fired - it didn't feel warm.
Then again, I only fired very shots with plenty of time in between changing over colors, so perhaps that is why.

I guess I'll continue using it carefully, with lots of time in between flashes, and try to rig up something less hot, as well.
 04/18/2009 12:04:09 PM · #14
Originally posted by Beetle:
Oh heck, don't burst my balloon bubble!!

I did use my older flash and I touched the head right after it fired - it didn't feel warm.
Then again, I only fired very shots with plenty of time in between changing over colors, so perhaps that is why.

I guess I'll continue using it carefully, with lots of time in between flashes, and try to rig up something less hot, as well.


Try tweaking a wire coat hanger into a circle and then stretching the balloon over that, then rigging a gizmo to suspend it in front of the flash head...

R.
 04/18/2009 12:13:57 PM · #15
pretty kool idea! deff..going to have to give it a try thanx for the tip!
 04/18/2009 08:30:09 PM · #16
Today I went to a camera store, the kind where the staff actually appear to know something about photography and the gear they sell.

I asked two of the guys there about my balloon idea. Both of them felt it should be fine, certainly as long as I don't go "bang, bang, bang, one after the other for ages"

I also went to party city to pick up a couple of other supplies..... if those ideas work out, I'll report back on them later.
 04/18/2009 08:35:09 PM · #17
BEETLE-FONG !
 04/18/2009 08:56:20 PM · #18
Karin,

Please don't take this wrong, but 4 professional photographers gave you solid reasoning about the possibility of damaging your equipment. These are people who either make their living or portions of their living using very similar equipment. One even gave you their own experience about how it actually happened, and yet you really want to risk your equipment using balloons over buying some gels, or getting a free sample set and some gaffers tape. I really had to shake my head at your last response that you were going to keep doing it on the assurance of a man who appears to know what he is talking about. I hope for your sake you don't kill your flash, but if it does you really can't say you were not warned.

Matt
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