What Is a Bounce Card in Photography?

Bounce Cards And The Flash

• Light travels in waves and can be directed in specific directions by the light source. Flashlights demonstrate this phenomenon. When turned on, a flashlight points a light in a concentrated area with little diffusion. The same occurs when taking pictures with a camera. While the flash proves invaluable for dark settings, a flash directed right at the subject matter of the photo creates dramatic shadows, and in situations involving people, squinting eyes. Bounce cards allow for indirect lighting, or soft lighting, to prevent harsh shadows and a blinding experience. The flash is redirected away from the subject while the bounce card points at the subject. This bounces just enough light waves at the subject to expose fine detail.

Large Bounce Cards

• One of the most common bounce cards used in outdoor and studio settings are the large white foam core bounce cards. These lighting devices stand upwards of several feet tall and usually held by an individual or secured by a clamp or stand. Large bounce cards usually stand in front of the subject and towards one side. The card has a slight to dramatic tilt towards or away from the subject, depending on the lighting effect the photographer is looking for.

Small Bounce Cards

• Photographers often us small bounce cards when taking pictures on the move. Common examples include wedding and engagement photos where the photographer has to follow family and friends all day. The small bounce cards attach directly to the camera, positioned behind the flash. This allows the photographer to position the flash upwards towards the ceiling. This, in turn, causes the light to diffuse and bounce back towards the ground while the bounce card bounces light directly towards the subject.

Homemade Bounce Cards

• Bounce cards are not always important to professional photography. In fact, photographers often make do with what they have to bounce light around. Common materials used as bounce cards include crumpled tin foil and playing cards. The key is to have some type of flat or textured surface that can reflect light in the direction the photographer wants. So long as this redirection of light occurs, the materials used for the redirection don't matter. Use any household items to redirect and bounce light to create the lighting effects you want for your photographs.