Hi Jeremy

Don't be scared to use the flash. I use diffused fill-in flash on my pics all the time except when the subject is in direct sunlight. You can adjust the flash intensity as well as the exposure with the top arrow menu button. As far as diffusers go you can use any opaque plastic. I've used 16 oz deli cups first. It's actually not opaque but it sends the light backwards towards you to illuminate the area instead of the subject so there's no direct flash/light. I've also used the bottom of an alcohol bottle which I cut a hole on the side and attach to pop-out flash (as seen on the eyes of pics 3 and 4). Make sure the bottom end of the piece reaches the end of the lens to eliminate lends shadows (esp. on macros). My favorite so far the bottom of the 1 gallon AZ Green Tea container. I use it vertically so it will reach the pop-out flash and diffuse the light (you can actually see it with the lens reflected on the frog's eyes). I cut a hole towards one end of the plastic with a door installation kit hole saw and it fits perfectly on my 52mm UV filter. Also my favorite condition to take pics is in a sunny day under a shade with a little diffused fill flash. Get creative. There's no need to buy those expensive accessories to get the desired effect. I get a lot of chuckles and "what the heck is that" when I use my DIY "tools" but when I show them the pics I get them saying "wow! that thing works great!" Hope it helps.

ps. not claiming to be a pro but just sharing what worked for me.


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Jonel M. Lopez

www.spsnakes.com

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