The Canon 430EX portable flash is a powerful feature-packed flash unit designed to work with Canon's digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. While the flash head will tilt and rotate, allowing you to bounce the light it creates off the ceiling or wall, it does not come with a diffuser. Diffusers are attachments that fit over or just in front of the flash head. As their name suggests, they diffuse or soften the light generated by the flash unit, producing a more natural or softer image. While there are a number of commercial options available, a quick look around the house will give you many options for diffuser you can make yourself.
Instructions
1. Search your home for a small portable food container with similar dimensions to the Canon 430EX's flash head. The container should be translucent, but not too clear. Any item in front of the flash head will act as a diffuser. It just depends on how much you want to reduce the light. For some fun shooting different pictures, use a colored container as a diffuser. This will have a significant impact on your picture, but it can be interesting when you want to experiment with the color of the shot or the subject.
2. Compare the size of the container to the flash head. Once you have found a container, hold it up to the front of the flash head to see if it covers the entire area. This is important, not only for fit, but also because if part of the flash is uncovered, it will produce full light, which will create uneven photos. Make sure the container isn't used any longer, as you will be cutting it to attach it to your flash.
3. Cut along each corner of the container from the top opening to the bottom. When done, the container's base should be intact, with each side intact but no longer connected to each other.
4. Place the container over the flash head. Use a strong rubber band to secure the container in place. You can also use Velcro on the flash and the flash head, as well as on the four sides of the container.
5. Turn on your flash and your camera. Start shooting through your home-made diffuser.
Tags: flash head, front flash, front flash head, Canon 430EX, flash head will, flash unit, head will