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Monday, July 6, 2009

DIY Pop-Up Camera Flash Diffuser

Sometimes I'm all about "DIY"...after all, it saves $$$, and most of us can agree that the legal tender is in short supply these days. So, thanks to Photojojo.com user natuurplaat, there's a simple and surprisingly effective way to soften the normally harsh effects of a photo taken with a pop-up flash on many consumer SLR's and what I call "wannabe SLR's."

Note: Go to your local Walgreens, Walmart, Fred Meyer, Kroger or any store that has a photo processing dept. You can usually get the translucent film canisters free. They want to get rid of them anyway.

Another Note: Don't try this on a Canon 40D. I tried and I was disappointed that the pop-up flash is too wide for the canister *pouty face*


THE INGREDIENTS LIST:

* Camera with a pop-up flash
* White film container
* Ruler (or whatever)
* X-acto knife (regular scissors work fine, too, I found)

Step 1: Measure your flash



Measure the width of your flash so you’ll know how wide to make the cut in your film container.



Step 2: Cut the film container



Using a sharp blade, carefully cut a notch in the side of the film container (take the lid off first). Make the notch just slightly wider than the depth of the flash. Click on the photo to see the finished result.

Step 3: Slide it on



Slide the film container onto your flash, and put the lid on to hold it in place. If the fit is too snug, make the cut a little wider. If it’s too loose, a little tape should keep it on.

Step 4: Go take pictures!



Take photos as you would normally. The film container will diffuse our flash’s harsh light. Your camera should automatically adjust exposure to make up for the reduced light output.

You’ll be everyone’s favorite photographer once they see how good you make them look!

Before: Shiny & Pasty



Harsh flash washes out skin and highlights flaws. Seriously, you can see stains on somebody’s soul with that thing.

After: Lovely & Pleasant




Photo/Content Source: Photojojo.com

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