The Best Macro Diffusers for Insects

A flash is often a necessary accessory in close-up insect shots, but too much brightness causes problems of its own.

In macro photography, using flash is often preferable because you want to get as much light into the shot as possible to avoid blurry photographs at smaller apertures. However, there are times when too much brightness is a problem. In insect photography, for example, white spots and loss of detail occurs as a result of too much brightness and is pronounced when photographing subjects with reflective bodies. To avoid this, photographers often use diffusers or reflectors to reduce brightness without sacrificing necessary lighting.

Traveller8 Softbox

Macro photography requires a wide array of lighting capabilities. The Honl Traveller8 diffuser is user-friendly in design, and easily transportable so you can use this accessory in a number of situations including in close-up macro photography shots. You use this type of diffuser with a strap that securely attaches over your flash without quivering or bobbing around. This feature is especially important in close-up insect shots when you want your camera to be as steady as possible.

Speedlight Translucent Diffuser Kit

This diffuser comes in a kit that includes a semi-transparent diffuser that works well in up-close macro photography as well as in portrait shots. Its portable design allows you to carry it with you on a number of shoots. Two softboxes are also included in the kit and you can position these to increase light distribution and to reduce pronounced brightness on reflective subjects such as insects.

Rogue FlashBender Bounce Card

Shooting up-close photography (with subjects such as insects) is often difficult because you have to be able to shoot quickly and quietly most of the time. The FlashBender bounce card is a reflective diffuser that is flexible and gives you an array of lighting possibilities in sensitive circumstances. It is a light card but durable in nature.

Homemade Diffusers

In spontaneous situations, the best diffuser is one you can easily access before it's too late to snap the shot. For example, if you don't have a professional-grade diffuser on hand in a macro photography situation, you can put common household products such as white pieces of paper or paper towels in front of a flash to scatter and diffuse the incoming bright light.

References

• Photo Tips Online: The Best Flash Diffuser
• Beautiful Bugs: How to Do Macro Insect Photography