There are all kinds of diffusers, the Sto-Fen Omnibounce is one
that's widely used, and the various companies that make reflectors
and diffusers for studio lighting also make little inflatable or
portable diffusers for hot-shoe flashes.
Most of them lose you a lot of light and aren't worth a whole lot in
my experience. An umbrella, even small, works wonders with remotely
fired hot-shoe-type strobes compared to any of the diffusers I've
tried.
But the bounce card and low ceiling is as good as the umbrella for
that sort of portable lighting.
And yes, modern equipment does it all for you and with great success.
--
Emily L. Ferguson
mailto:elf@xxxxxxxx
508-563-6822
New England landscapes, wooden boats and races, press photography
http://www.vsu.cape.com/~elf/
