Gary Fong Light Sphere 11 cloud diffuser

[fotaki]

Freddy, My preference is for the shots with the cup attached. However, the big difference IMO is in density. Without the cup the images definately do look softer but lack saturation, which I think can easily be brought back by reducing brightness a tad.

You mentioned the unit to be a bit heavy on camera. Does this mean it's difficult to use ?

[fevbusch]

 John, I'm still experimenting and will try with and without for a while, but in meantime I'll try
 adjusting color temperature which I think is part of the problem.  I can do that if I shoot raw
 or thru Picasa.  I'm not sure yet how to do it in Adobe Photoshop. What did you think of the shots
 I posted.   Freddy  
  P.S.  It's not really heavy , it just sometimes makes the top of the flash unit slip down.  I don't
  think I can adjust the top unless I put a bit of tape to keep it at a 60 degree angle.

[spyglass]

Way to go 54 Freddy. Glad to see that you got your Light Sphere. 

I like the bowl of fruit when captured with the dome in place. To my eye, the shot is richer in colour and tone. The shot without seems a little washed out (like the apple has wax on it).

I am not sure of the look you have in your mind's eye but,  if you are looking for a little more punch or sparkle in the shot, you could introduce a silver reflector in your setup to create more of a key light feel by reflecting additional light back onto your bowl of fruit. If you don't have a silver reflector a piece of tinfoil taped onto cardboard work very well. You can curve the reflector to shape the light. A silver reflector can add nice highlights and give the subject a nice sparkle.

The light Sphere does offer nice even fill and reduces shadows. It is not designed for high contract glamour type shots, or shots with big sparkly highlights.

I agree with your comments about it being a little bulky and slightly tip/top heavy for the tilt feature of some flash units. My AF360FGZ will hold the angle as long as I do not step heavy, jump, or make sudden movements.

Look forward to seeing more examples,

Spyglass

[fevbusch]

Thanks, Spyglass.  I'll be experimenting some more.  Even trying my 40mm ltd indoors to see if it
 might  result in shots that are not overly enriched with warmth.  (The Sigma is a very colorful lens).
     Freddy 54

[fevbusch]

 Here's another shot I took that I didn't post yet.  This was with Sphere 11 no cup, desaturated a bit
 to de-warmify.  This is a perfect shot.  It printed perfectly. a bit lighter than what you see here. I'm seeing great value with this tool.  I already bought a bigger
 bag that holds the Sphere, cup, sunpak flash and my camera in its case.  Great fit and useful for $12.
 c&C welcome.   Freddy