How to Use Photography Lighting Diffusers

While the flash attached to a camera or controlled by a camera adds harsh light to a photography subject, lighting diffusers soften light that illuminates it. Natural light provides a very real quality to a subject, but in a studio or indoors, artificial light can sometimes flood it out. This includes flashes. Light diffusion gives a more natural look to indoor lighting and photography. There are many items you can use to diffuse light, from professional accessories to do-it-yourself materials. In this how-to you will learn how to diffuse artificial light using a variety of fabrics, plastics and other objects. 

Step 1: Hang a Sheet

The first, least expensive method you can employ to diffuse the light shining onto your photography subject is to hang a light-colored sheet in front of the light or lights you are working with. Don’t choose any dark sheets. White sheets work the best. You may also try a silk or satin sheet (if you are willing to use it to these ends).

Step 2: Erect the Light and Light Stand

Behind the hung sheet, set up the light stand with the light attached to it. Angle the light towards the subject with the light diffuser placed before it. 

Step 3: Try Different Materials

You might also try some type of gauze or light, translucent acrylic to diffuse the light in the studio. There is no one right material. Whatever works to soften the glow around your subject and eliminate shadows is the right material. 

Step 4: Build a Frame

Rather than a hang a sheet haphazardly in front of a light, you can build a frame to stretch the fabric tightly within it. Use 4 pieces of PVC no more than 1 inch in diameter. Cut the pieces to form a square or rectangle and join them with 4 elbow joints of the same diameter. Cut the fabric to a size slightly bigger than the PVC frame. Stretch the fabric over it starting at one end. Use staples to secure it to the PVC. Leave an overhang on all sides. Once the fabric is stretched tautly over the frame and stapled, cut the overhang off. 

Step 5: Mount or Hang the Frame

You can either hang the frame in front of the light or mount it to the light stand using two clamps and an extension rod. Attach the lightweight aluminum rod to the light stand. Then attach the frame to the rod. At both ends use two special clamps that can attach to two different surfaces at once. If the frame is too heavy, the mounting method will not work and you will have to hang it.  

Experiment with different, random materials to diffuse light. You will have to devise a way to position them in front of the light, but you may come up with some very interesting ideas. The use of Venetian blinds, sheer fabrics and glazed plastic are but 3 materials to try.