Photography diffusers transform flat lighting from a strobe or a flash to add depth and detail to photographs. They can be used indoors and outdoors to add, remove, and diffuse light to produce professional-looking photos. The principle is simple: they bounce light on subjects that aren’t getting enough light to balance the exposure and eliminate troublesome shadows. Photography diffusers are compact, lightweight, and fold down for convenient transport. They come in several colors and shapes, which makes choosing the ideal one a bit overwhelming, especially if you do not know what to look for. We’ve rounded up some of the best photography diffusers currently on offer because of their versatile applications, ease of use, and portability. We also explain how and when to use the different colors for professional results. Scroll through our favorites below and choose the one that best fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a photography diffuser outdoors?
It depends on the outdoor conditions and where you are shooting. On bright sunny days, use a gold diffuser to focus the light on the subject and make them stand out. If the subject is in direct sunlight, use a white diffuser to soften the light and push back on shadows. On overcast days, you’ll need to direct as much natural light onto the subject as you can using a silver diffuser. A silver diffuser increases exposure without adding shadows.
How do you hold a photography diffuser?
It all depends on the design and size of the photography diffuser. Round diffusers with translucent panels are usually held by hand due to their compact size. Larger rectangular diffusers come with adjustable Velcro straps and can be attached to LED light panels. Sheet diffusers require a backdrop stand or an assistant to hold them due to their large size. Some diffusers are designed to attach directly to shoe mount flashes with Velcro straps and rubber grips.
Buying Guide
Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional photographer, a diffuser helps adjust the exposure and lighting of subjects, indoors and outdoors. We explain the purpose and uses of each diffuser color in this guide, as well as the top features to look for when shopping for photography diffusers.
- Color: The first thing to consider when choosing photography diffusers is their color. Different colors have different effects on the lighting and the pictures.
- White: White diffusers are a favorite among photographers. It may not reflect light as well as other colors, but it adds subtle dimension and helps overcome shadows. A white diffuser works perfectly for both indoor and outdoor photography, but may not be the ideal choice for low-light photography. Wedding photographers love white diffusers because they do not alter the color of the dress.
- Black: Black diffusers absorb light to cut down on reflections on shiny objects like jewelry or laminated products. When used properly, black diffusers help cast more shadows and cut down on highlights in images.
- Gold: Gold diffusers are ideal for outdoor portrait photography. They cast a gold hue on the subject for a sun-kissed effect. Be careful when using gold diffusers as they can turn images overly yellow and cause uneven color tones, especially in indoor photography.
- Silver: Silver diffusers reflect the greatest amount of light and are perfect for low-light, indoor, and outdoor photography. They’re also great for beginners just learning how to play with and diffuse studio lights. Silver diffusers do not change the colors of studio lights or natural light, but may be too strong to use in bright and sunny conditions.
- Translucent: Translucent diffusers do not reflect light but work great for firing a flash or speed light to create soft light. They can be used outdoors to diffuse sunlight, giving users a portable light source.
- Type: There are several types of photography diffusers to serve different purposes.
- Reflectors are commonly used to reflect light from artificial and natural light sources. They are made of soft and flexible materials that fold down easily for transport.
- Diffusers feature a translucent panel and come with several different colored covers. Use the translucent panel to soften the light or the colored covers to play with the color temperatures and tones.
- Sheets are large panels made of reflective nylon material to direct a lot of light towards the subject. They look like large backdrops and can easily be attached to a backdrop frame or stand.
- Size: The size of the diffuser depends on your needs and usage. Some photographers use 30-inch diffusers because they fold down into a small size and can be easily transported. For outdoor portraits and weddings, a large reflective sheet is ideal.
- Shape: Photography diffusers come in several shapes. Round diffusers are popular and fold down into a compact size. Rectangular diffusers are a bit larger to allow light to be directed to the full body of the subject when taking portraits. Triangular diffusers are compact and designed to be easy to hold with one hand when taking headshots.
Neewer Photography Diffuser
Best Overall
For Stunning Pictures
This pack adds dimension and depth to subjects, whether people or products. Control the light temperature with the gold, white, and silver options or create shadows and dampen lighting conditions with the black one.
Why We Love It:
- Comes with five different oval-shaped 40×60-inch diffusers and a carry case for transport
- Zippered system allows users to easily change the diffuser’s color when taking pictures
- Metal support prevents them from deforming or changing shape with repeated folding
- Exquisite nylon edges with durable stitching to prevent fraying with extended use
Something to Consider:
- Folding these diffusers for storage and transport is a tad difficult
Etekcity Photography Diffuser
Runner Up
Indoor and Outdoor Usage
This option comes with different reflective surfaces to add depth and diffuse studio lights evenly. With four different colored covers that can be easily zipped over a translucent panel, changing the lighting of a picture becomes a breeze.
Why We Love It:
- 24-inch size and is also available in a larger size
- Four different covers include black, gold, silver, and white
- Collapses into a compact size for storage and travel
- Comes with a 10-inch zippered carry bag for convenient portability
Something to Consider:
- The included carry bag is not of the highest quality
Altura Photo Photography Diffuser
Contender
Simple and Compact
This option is designed specifically for use with shoe mount flashes. It is compatible with several camera brands. It comes with a rubberized mounting grip and an adjustable Velcro closure for a secure and ideal fit.
Why We Love It:
- Reinforced stitching on the sides prevents fraying and adds durability
- High-quality reflective interior materials to produce soft and even light with no shadows
- It folds flat and includes a zippered protective pouch for storage
- Available in three different sizes to fit all shoe mount flash units
Something to Consider:
- Does not hold its shape very well with extended usage
Kamerar Photography Diffuser
Honorable Mention
Universal Fit
This option easily straps to any LED light panel thanks to its adjustable straps and holds its shape without deforming thanks to magnetic rods on all four corners. It collapses into a compact and portable size for storage and transport.
Why We Love It:
- Constructed with unbleached nylon fabric that does not drop powder
- Lightweight design that does not add bulk or weight to LED light panels
- Comes with a durable zippered carrying case and is available in several sizes
- Spreads and diffuses light evenly and minimizes shadows
Something to Consider:
- Light may leak from the back of this diffuser on certain LED light panel models
Selens Photography Diffuser
Recommended
Eliminates Shadows
This large option is made from non-yellowing white translucent textile to eliminate reflections and shadows. It is ideal for indoor and outdoor use and product and portrait photography too.
Why We Love It:
- Large 67×40 inch size with unfinished edges makes it ideal for DIY photography
- Removing wrinkles and creases is easy by simply hanging the sheet for a couple of days or by ironing it
- Can be used on studio lights and softboxes or on windows to diffuse sunlight
- Available in different sizes to meet users’ demands
Something to Consider:
- May come with a couple of stains on the edges
