Ask Quest Archives 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997

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This page was updated on January 23, 2006

January, 2006

Question:
My job is to shoot used cars for a large dealership. These cars are photographed indoors with tungsten lights but the interiors are done with my Olympus FL-36 flash with the E-300 digital Olympus camera. My problem is I don't like the harsh light given off by the flash. Since I'm in a car that has very little head room, my dash shot is done from the back seat, what do you recommend I use?

My shots are dash, front seats, rear seats, trunk and engine compartment. You can see my photo's at www.autolenders.com. Look at the Voorhees inventory. There won't be very many photo's that were done in the studio because we just started. The photo's used to be done outside.

Answer:
Photographing interiors of "real" cars is challenging.  I'd suggest bouncing to help soften shadows and highlights on those may reflection surfaces.  You might try our UltraBounce and/or Big Bounce...maybe even bouncing that light off a piece of foam core.

Question:
I just bought the UltraSoft today. When using it without pulling out the white diffuser to cover the front, should it work about the same as the Pocket Bouncer? I need to know because I don't want to switch between the UltraSoft and Pocket Bouncer during photo shooting.

Answer:
Due to the folds in the UltraSoft diffuser, light is reflected into a variety of directions resulting in additional light loss relative to the Pocket Bouncer.  

Question:
I am using a Canon 5D with a 580EX Speedlite flash mounted on the hot shoe. I am looking for a product solution(s) to photograph people from around 4'-10' in a large room with a high ceiling. What would you recommend?  What about for a group shot from 20' in the same setting?  In small rooms with a white ceiling,  I have been using a Sto-fen Omnibounce with good success. If you think you have a better product, please let me know.

Answer:
I'd suggest either our Pocket Bouncer or SoftBox for your 4'-10' application (but certainly not more than 10').  In small rooms, the Omnibounce and our UltraBounce work well but remember that both are light distribution devices not softboxes since they are not materially larger than the flash itself.  They rely
completely on walls and ceilings to bounce the light back into the scene being photographed.
All in all, I'd recommend a copy of our new book, FLASH...The MOST Available Light, to help with your various situations.

Question:
How does the Soft Screen attach to the Canon camera? Will it improve my flash shots with the built in flash?

Answer:
It attaches to your accessory shoe and then around the "Canon" nameplate on the front of the camera.
Yes, it reduces hot spots and more evenly distributes the light from your pop-up flash.
 
Question:
Does your FX filter system convert the flash to tungsten light?

Answer:
The gels provided with the FX are theatrical. However, you could use with any other filter including an 85 which converts day light to tungsten.
 
Question:
I have just purchased the LumiQuest Soft Screen.  The results I have witnessed with my Sony H1 are definitely worth it. Does it matter how close or far the diffusion screen is to the flash? Meaning, is it better to have the screen as far as possible to the flash? I currently have the screen positioned about 1/2 inch from the flash and was wondering if it's too close.

Answer:
We're glad you are enjoying your Soft Screen! The Soft Screen works largely by enlarging the light source by refracting the light through the diffusion material.  If it is too close to the flash, it is not as effective.  I'd recommend at least 1" away if that is possible with your Sony camera.

Good shooting,

Quest C. Couch, III

PS. Our Ask Quest Archives 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 contains questions and answers since September, 1997.