A diffuser can spread out an soften light when taking pictures.
There are basically two kinds of diffusers you can use on your camera. The more common is a diffuser for your electronic flash unit that spreads out and softens the light, lessening harsh shadows. The other is, essentially, a filter in front of your lens used to soften the image you are capturing. You can use the same kind of diffuser for both your camera lens or your flash, although you may need a bit thicker diffuser for the flash.
Instructions
1. Take a thin sheet of gauze and cut it to approximately 3 x 3 inches square. You will use this for the front of your camera lens. Double- or triple-fold the same type of gauze to make it several layers and cut this to approximately double the size of your electronic flash unit's lens.
2. Cut your thick cardboard into two 3 x 3-inch squares for your lens diffuser and the same size as the gauze pieces for the flash. You need two for each diffuser to hold and stretch the gauze.
3. Stretch your thin gauze piece over one of the two cardboard pieces and secure it with tape. Place the other cardboard piece over it and staple or otherwise secure the two cardboard pieces with the gauze between them like a sandwich. Do the same for the diffuser for the flash unit.
4. Attach the camera lens diffuser to an ultraviolet or haze filter that fits your lens. You can do this with tape or glue for a temporary diffuser. You can screw the filter into camera lens even if you already have another filter in place.
5. Tape the cardboard and gauze sandwich for your flash unit to the unit, making certain not to get tape on the flash's lens. You can leave this secured to the flash for as long as you need to shoot with it.
Tags: camera lens, flash unit, your camera, your lens, cardboard pieces