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How to Make a Better Bounce Flash Card

Using a bounce card in flash photography has several advantages. A bounce card consists of a flat, reflective surface which is attached to a flash unit; this directs and softens the artificial light, resulting in a more natural and evenly lit photograph. There are many devices designed to accomplish this task; Peter Gregg's invention, "A Better Bounce Card", is an inexpensive and practical solution which can be easily made with readily available materials.

Things You'll Need

Flash unit
Black or white flexible foam sheet
Scissors
White reflective tape (optional)
Wide rubber band
Ruler
Pencil

Instructions

- 1
  Lay the sheet of foam out so that it is oriented letter-style.
- 2
  From the bottom right and bottom left corners, measure in 2 inches and make a mark.
- 3
  Using your ruler, draw a straight line from the upper right corner to the mark on the lower right. Repeat for the left side.
- 4
  Cut along the drawn lines. The central trapezoid shape left is your bounce card.
- 5
  Starting from the narrow end, measure up 5 to 6 inches. Draw a line parallel to the bottom, and cut across it.
- 6
  If you wish, add two strips of reflective tape down the center or sides of the bounce card. This step is optional.
- 7
  Attach the bounce card to your flash unit. Wrap the narrow end of the bounce card around the top of the flash unit, leaving the open side pointed towards the subject. Secure with the rubber band. You now have a better bounce card, ready to use.

Photography