DIY Ways to Diffuse Light

Diffusing light allows you to soften the intensity of light, to lessen harsh contrast between light and shadow, and to make textures less apparent. In this video tutorial, Sarah Buckius walks you through the process of creating a diffuser, which you can use to soften light when photographing. For more about this project, visit http://cw.routledge.com/textbooks/reframingphotography/

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• photograph
• light
• shadow
• artists
• tutorial
• studio
• diffuser

[LocumRex]

I just priced out that Silk Organza on Wholesale it came in at $148.75. I just saw another video where the guy used a white shower curtain. Maybe that could be used in place of that fabric?

[playgallery]

@LocumRex The silk organza we used by $5 a yard, so only $15 total and we use it over and over. But you don't need to use that particular fabric. Any semi-translucent white (unless you want to color the light) material will work. Just be careful how close you place the material/diffuser to your lights. And bear in mind that plastic- or synthetic-based materials will burn/melt closer to your lighting source.

[drsrinara]

Good tips. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Before and after pics would be nice.

[dessibeats]

Great video. Thanks for giving out this invaluable tip.

[pencilart360]

Needs photos before and after to show what it does

[TheMexicanstick]

thanks for the tips.really appreciate it.

[Skyswinger]

@LocumRex oh and by the way, you know the camping sleeping roll mats? Some have a silver reflective side. These make excellent reflectors for portraits as they hold a curvature shape, again very versatile.

[Skyswinger]

@LocumRex I use shower curtains a lot, they are so versatile and work very well. I mostly tape them infront of a window but they can be used with lamps too, just be mindful about how much heat is getting on the curtain.

[FoodWarmingEquipment]

@playgallery Oh that's much better. I like the ideal of adding layers to control the amount of diffusion. It was either this or adding a dimmer which would require some electrical work on my Halogen lamps. I guess I just need a better source.

[planecrazyish]

Excellent ideas! Thanks :)