At The Camera Trader
How LumiQuest Products WorkA photographic flash is a small, intense source of light that produces very harsh shadows. In addition, it is often coming from an unnatural source... the camera. The process of softening the shadows is actually both simple and consistent with the basic laws of physics. Unquestionably the most significant factor in determining shadow quality is the size of the light source, and LumiQuest uses this basic principal to develop effective lighting accessories.
If the photographer can enlarge the light source and have it coming from a more natural direction, it will be a significant improvement over direct flash. All of our bounce and diffusion devices enlarge the light source and, at least to some degree, move it farther from the camera. Our 80-20 incorporates ceiling bounce into the process by bouncing 80% of the light off the ceiling which becomes a new, larger light source coming from a more natural direction. The 20% fill is then directed back into the subject to help fill shadows cast by the ceiling bounce. Obviously it would be pointless to use the 80-20 without a ceiling since 80% of the light would be lost rather than bounced back into the frame. Accessories such as our UltraBounce are not shadow softening devices themselves since they are not materially larger than the flash itself. These accessories are actually light distribution devices. By spreading the light over 180° it can be bounced back into the frame by nearby walls and ceilings. In relatively small rooms they are very effective at providing soft, even illumination. However, if used in large rooms or outdoors they have virtually no impact on shadow softness. Obviously it is pointless to illuminate 100° more than you are photographing if there are no surfaces to bounce the light back into the frame.
 The key is to use the right accessory for the situation and objective. Keep in mind that this is not magic, the road to softer more natural light is a larger light source coming from a more natural direction. Click on the Product Guide to select the right accessory for your needs. |
02/27/2010