Flash Bounce card build

[jay 540 firebird]

I just finished making my own flash bounce card for my flash.You can make one really easy for any unit you have. I found this material at Michaels arts and crafts called Cool-Foam, it is in the kids arts and crafts section. It comes in 12" X 18" sheets in black or white for $1.00 a sheet. It is flexible type of foam that can be bent in different positions. I used black as a backing to keep the white bounce surface clean and look more presentable. Just cut a couple of patterns out of different sizes to try out and used Elmer's white glue to paste together. I let them dry for a few days with a stack of magazines on them to get a good set with the glue. I found a Velcro belt to fasten the card to the flash head. Here are some pictures of the flash card, material, and some practice shots that were taken with the bounce and without. I was really surprised how much more balanced the flash was with it. Jay. http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f31/jmj540/Chevelle%20bumpers%20to%20return/Flashcard003.jpg http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f31/jmj540/Chevelle%20bumpers%20to%20return/Flashcard002.jpg http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f31/jmj540/Chevelle%20bumpers%20to%20return/Flashcard001.jpg

[jay 540 firebird]

Here are some shots without and with the card http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f31/jmj540/Chevelle%20bumpers%20to%20return/nov182008079.jpg http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f31/jmj540/Chevelle%20bumpers%20to%20return/nov182008078.jpg http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f31/jmj540/Chevelle%20bumpers%20to%20return/nov182008043.jpg

[TMK Photography]

very good idea, i will have to look into that

[jay 540 firebird]

I'm snowed in and board today, with a broken left elbow, decided to do something constructive other than drink.

[Lonnie Gautreau]

thats sweet!

[Kelly Pelrine]

Wow Jay that is very impressive! And for practically nothin! Good job ;) Im going to have to try this.

[Paul Huizenga]

Nicely done... I love me my Lumiquest Softbox, though. I've had mine for probably 10 years, so even though it's overpriced at $40, I think I got my money's worth.

http://www.lumiquest.com/products/softbox.htm

(note: you may get the impression from their website that the product is intended primarily for taking creepy, unsettling photos of children, but it works fine on adults too)

[kelly andersen]

Our local camera store has a kit similar to the one you made, comes with the card and velcro for mounting. I'm gonna have to try one, the results are great on your pic.

[troyboy468]

wow thats big difference

[jay 540 firebird]

Thank you for all the kind words! I have seen the same card on line being put together and sold for $25.00, thought I would share the low buck way. There is enough material to make 5 or so if you lay them out close for about $5.00 total cost with the Velcro. Made 5 different sizes to try... I was really surprised how well it worked for me! My Christmas present to the YB photo crew. Happy Holiday! Jay.

[Mitch Perkins]

The wife hits Michaels on a regular basis. I told here to look out for that stuff. Looks simple, and the results speak for themselves. Neat Idea.

[TMK Photography]

It will be where the kids foam letters and stuff are for crafts are. Was in last night and picked some up last night.

[DragRacingTV.com]

i got some of that foam at wal-mart, it makes a great soft reflector, and it moves the flash burst up off of the top of the camera several inches.

[Chevelle Rob]

Nice and thanks for the tip