What about using diffusors in bike photography?

thrawn · Newbie Joined: 26 Sep 2007 Posts: 2

Hello,

has anyone tried using diffusors for mountain biking shots? I ordered some for my sigma flashes and I wonder if they would improve anything. Of course they take away some light, but maybe thats worth it. Any experiences?

bluebomberx · Quite High User Joined: 01 Oct 2006 Posts: 134

They'd give more of a bare bulb effect, but with no ceiling or walls to bounce the light from, you're just losing light as you pointed out. In an outdoor environment it will not improve the quality of light as it's still a small point light source. They are mainly used for indoors photography. Flash bounced from a white ceiling becomes a large broad light source creating softer light that produces pleasing modeling of facial features, while allowing some flash to move forward as well to fill the shadows produced from the bounce. Pretty much every cycling shot you have ever seen in a magazine that was strobed was lit with small off-camera point light sources such as your Sigma flashes. It's all about placement, power, and the ambient exposure.

Hamish · Forum Veteran Joined: 29 Sep 2006 Posts: 1011

Aye, diffusers will do bugger all outdoors, without anything to bounce the light off. I've always wondered why lots of papparazi have them on their flash guns when you see them on the news. Pointless, really.
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Hamish

thrawn · Newbie Joined: 26 Sep 2007 Posts: 2

Now that I think about it, you're right...hm maybe I should also get some reflectors for them then