diffuser question

[wader]

I am a very inexperienced UW picture taker (not even a photographer yet...)

I was wondering if someone would explain how a diffuser works, when to use one, and if using two flashes/strobes would you use diffusers on both?

I have a point and shoot camera, housing (obviously), and two strobes, although I have only ever used one at a time.

 

[HerraduraDivers]

wader,

a diffuser is a "milky" plate diffusing the light from the strobe.
It is used to gain a wider strobe pattern, "bend" the light to create less harsh shadows and
it may be used to reduce strobe power.

Diffusers can be used:
on a P&S where the diffuser is mounted on the housing
-to reduce shadows from the lens port and create a wider beam pattern
Diffuser on externals strobes are used to:
- create a wider beam pattern, reduce strobe power and create softer shadows
Diffuser are mainly used on macro photography but the should not be used in conditions of heavy plancton or suspension as the use of diffusers in such conditions will lead in a gain in backscatter.

Yes i would use them on both strobes contemporary, but using only one may create interesting shadows.

Chris

P.S. The best for (not only) beginners is to build a "scene" from plastic toys glued on a tile and dropped in your pool. Then you start a photo session writing down what you made, exposure parameters, strobe position and so on to check later what happens when you do something particular.

 

[wader]

Would you be able to briefly explain, in layman's terms, when I would want to use the diffuser and when I should not use them?

 

[HerraduraDivers]

Dont use the diffusers when you have bad viz and use the difusers when you do macro or use wide angle macro.

Chris

P.S. You may start to read a here: http://www.uwphotographyguide.com/ and there are many excellent books available as well.