cheap flash diffuser

[Dontrain]

Fast cheap way to soften the harsh light from built-in flash: Carry a roll of Scotch write-on tape which is opaque and simply stick a piece on the flash. More than one layer works too. The results are not dramatic but still effective.

dh

[sk66]

Or just set the flash to a negative EC setting.....

[NathanFranke]

Or bounce it off the ceiling or with a bounce card...

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by Dontrain

Fast cheap way to soften the harsh light from built-in flash: Carry a roll of Scotch write-on tape which is opaque and simply stick a piece on the flash. More than one layer works too. The results are not dramatic but still effective.

dh

Do remember there is a difference between "soften" and diminishing of the light.

Softening of the light really only comes from making the light source larger.

If you simply want to diminish how much light comes out (it'll always be a hard light coming from your pop-up), then yeah, this technique will work.
It's probably easier to simply learn your flash compensation settings IF your camera has it of course.

[ceremus]

For indoors stuff at least, if you're stuck with a DSLR's pop-up flash this gadget could be helpful until you get a real external flash. Pop-up Flash Bounce

[Almost Gets]

these are great ideas, thanks all. I like the scotch tape. I've heard of cutting a milk carton too. is there a good speedlight that you would recommend? Or is that why we are talking about cheap flash diffusers? lol