Nikon SB-16 instruction manual Diffusing the Light

-PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES-continued ----------- :

Diffusing the Light

Light is what gives form to solid objects . If the flash is pointed directly at th e subject and loca ted near th e lens, the subject will look flat because of th e lack of shadows . However, if the flash is moved off-axis, shadows sta rt to appear on the side opposite the light sou rce, thus giving the impression of roundness . But because the light sti ll comes directly from the flash. the shadows are harsh and unattrac tive. By diffusing the light, you can eliminate the harsh shadows, making snapshots and portraits much more attrac tive .

There are two ways to diffuse light : you can either bounce the light off a broad reflective surface, such as the ceiling or walls, or use a diffuser between flash and subject.

Bounce flash photography

With the 8B -16's main flash head tilted back and/or rotated , the light travels directly to the ceiling or wall and then bounces back to the subject. Acting as a broad re - flector, the ceiling or wall scrambles the direction of the light rays, making the lighting diffused and much more natural looking. Because the 8B-16 'ssecondary flash head faces straight ahead, it provides a small amount of direct illumination to fill in unflattering shadows around the eyes and creates a catchlight for the eyes .

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