Type of fabric for a diffuser

[SabrinaO]

I'm a real crafty girl and I want to make an elastic fabric cap (kind of like a shower cap) to go over my Alien bee to work as a diffuser. What type of fabric is good for a diffuser?

I have shoot through umbrellas but I still get hot spots with them at 1/32 with my newborn sessions, so help would be appreciated!

 

[RockstarPhotography]

ripstop nylon and muslin work well., but a softbox would be your best bet for newborns.

 

[SabrinaO]

I never heard of ripstop nylon. Do you know if they sell that a Joann's?

 

[Robin Usagani]

Sabrina, before you spend time on projects like this, really check out amazon.com . They have so many china made products that are so cheap, it is not even worth it trying to do DIY anymore. Check it out.

 

[redtippmann]

I still use bedsheets when I need a huge wash of light (I use California King size). But as far as something to put over an AB for use with an umbrella.... I have seen thin/opaque cutting boards that you can cut in the shape of a circle and use a hole punch for the umbrella.

 

[SabrinaO]

I still use bedsheets when I need a huge wash of light (I use California King size). But as far as something to put over an AB for use with an umbrella.... I have seen thin/opaque cutting boards that you can cut in the shape of a circle and use a hole punch for the umbrella.

Hmmm.... something to think about! What do you think will work better... the opaque board or the ripstop fabric?

 

[RockstarPhotography]

Sabrina, before you spend time on projects like this, really check out amazon.com . They have so many china made products that are so cheap, it is not even worth it trying to do DIY anymore. Check it out.

This is true. But as a DIYer the satisfaction of making it yourself can never beat cheap chinese child labor.

 

[Big Mike]

Be careful about putting things too close to the blub. These things can get hot and you don't want to keep that heat trapped.

 

[Village Idiot]

Anywhere from $30 ro $120 depending on what you want.
alien bee softbox | eBay

 

[Village Idiot]

Sabrina, before you spend time on projects like this, really check out amazon.com . They have so many china made products that are so cheap, it is not even worth it trying to do DIY anymore. Check it out.

This is true. But as a DIYer the satisfaction of making it yourself can never beat cheap chinese child labor.

I eat Chinese for breakfast!

 

[Derrel]

If you are getting hotspots when using your umbrellas, then perhaps you have the wrong reflectors on the Alien Bees!!! I would suggest that you buy the spill-kill or 7" inch umbrella reflectors for your AB's. AlienBees: Illuminating the Galaxy with Professional Photographic Lighting Equipment

 

[MonicaBH]

I was taking pics of my friends newborn the other day in low light... I had to resort to my on-camera flash, but I popped a newborn white sock on it as a diffuser.

It looked funny, but it served its purpose.

 

[ylsirc]

Hello, I have a full body light diffuser that got burned by a candle :thumbdown:

Can anybody tell me how to patch it up??? its right at the edge and I dont want it to totally rip off the frame that's on........ HELP!!!!

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

SabrinaO, how I've missed thee...

 

[jon25]

I agree with trying a Lightbox instead of umbrella but as far as fabric I'd say nylon. Maybe try double layering the nylon as well. I wonder if anyone has tried that before?