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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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