This tutorial will take you through the steps to make your own interchangeable flash diffuser with changing filter options for whatever light source you come across when photographing.
Essential Gear:
- Microwave food container (The type you get from Indian/Chinese takeaways)
- Marker pen
- Masking tape (or other suitable tape to soften cut edges)
- Sharp cutting blade/craft knife
Optional Gear:
- Tissue Paper/plain white paper or acetates (various colours)
- Silver foil

![]() 1. Begin by marking around your flash head onto the base of the plastic food carton. |
![]() 2. Then cut this out using your craft knife onto a cutting mat or other suitable surface. |
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![]() 3. Using the masking tape, cover the edge of the tub to save from scratching your expensive flash or cutting yourself. |
![]() 4. If required, cover the inner panels of the carton with silver foil. This boosts the output of the flash by concentrating the light through the front of the diffuser. |
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![]() 5. The next step is to fit the lid of the container with your favoured diffusing material. As you can see I have used an unfolded tissue and very roughly torn off the excess when fitted. You can do this a lot neater and also experiment with various combinations of diffusion or colour casts by adding extra layers of tissue/paper or coloured acetates. |
![]() ![]() You then have your finished diffuser and interchangeable filter hoods. |
Have fun!
Wayne Matthews (flash783).
Find the tripod and camera bag to suit your needs at www.vanguardworld.com

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