How to Make a Duct Tape and Foam Board Diffuser

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Find out the size of your flash where the diffuser will fitted to.

   For this Sunpak 4000AF, it is the following: 6 cm /2 3/8 inches 3 1/2 cm/1 3/8 inches 3 cm/1 1/4 inches
2. 2

   Step 2: Create a basic rectangle shape of 24 cm X 17 cm.

   , You will see two 12 X 17cm rectangles.
   
   This divides your larger rectangle into two halves. , Draw a line an inch from the bottom centered around the center line.
   
   Draw another line parallel to the center line 3cm away from it on each side.
   
   Your shape should resemble the image above. , To do this, use the measurements you have above. 24 cm (1x) 6 cm (2x) 3 1/2 cm (2y) , (1x X 2y)/2x (24 X
   3.5)/6 = 84/6 = 14 , Create a rectangle shape of 14 cm x 17 cm.
   
   However, instead of 7 cm, use 4 1/2 cm on the rectangular base of the diffuser.
   
   It shouldn't be snug, hence, 1 cm has been added to the actual measurement. , Make any required adjustments.
   
   If they fit together properly, use them as templates.
   
   If they don't, make any necessary adjustments. ,,, Be sure that it doesn't go all the way through the foam board. , Once you are sure they fit, take them back apart. , Either white or something like shiny duct tape so that it will help with the light.
   
   If it isn't white or 'silver'
   
   you can make it that way. , Here, the silver duct tape is used because it was used on the inside of the diffuser. , While it is on, put duct tape around it so that it will hold its shape. , That will make it difficult to fit on the flash.
   
   When putting tape on the corners, split the tape at the corner, and then tape it down to each side. , The silver duct tape was used here to allow it to double as a reflector if needed.
   
   If you wanted it to look 'more professional'
   
   you could use black, or if you wanted it 'more hip'
   
   try tie dye duct tape. , Cut it out with a little extra of about 1/2 to 1 inch. , You can do this with transparent tape, duct tape (carefully), or Velcro. , Use the foam board diffuser to make great shots.
3. 3

   Step 3: On the long side

4. 4

   Step 4: (24cm)

5. 5

   Step 5: draw a line down the center of the rectangle.

6. 6

   Step 6: Using your measurements

7. 7

   Step 7: create a rectangle at the bottom of the rectangle being sure to use the center line.

8. 8

   Step 8: Determine the size of your sides of your diffuser.

9. 9

   Step 9: Use this formula to determine the size.

10. 10

    Step 10: Draw out the shape using the same process as before.

11. 11

    Step 11: 'Baste' the pieces together using scotch tape.

12. 12

    Step 12: Use the templates to create the shapes on the foam board.

13. 13

    Step 13: Cut the shapes out of the foam board.

14. 14

    Step 14: At the line that marks out the top part of the rectangle

15. 15

    Step 15: score a line.

16. 16

    Step 16: Baste them together to make sure that they fit.

17. 17

    Step 17: Be sure that the inside is reflective material.

18. 18

    Step 18: Use some type of tape to start fastening the pieces together.

19. 19

    Step 19: At this point

20. 20

    Step 20: put the diffuser on your flash to make sure it fits.

21. 21

    Step 21: Continue taping around it

22. 22

    Step 22: but try not to make it too thick.

23. 23

    Step 23: Continue taping around the diffuser until it is covered.

24. 24

    Step 24: After the frame of the diffuser is complete

25. 25

    Step 25: use it to determine the size of the diffuser material that you will need.

26. 26

    Step 26: Attach it to the diffuser.

Detailed Guide

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