How to Use a Bounce Card in Flash Photography? What Does It Do?
A bounce card is a simple yet powerful tool in flash photography that helps soften harsh light, reduce shadows, and create more natural-looking images. It also adds a beautiful catch light in the subject’s eyes, making portraits look more lively and engaging. In this video, we’ll explain what a bounce card does, how to use it effectively, and when it works best. Stay tuned for an easy, step-by-step guide to improving your flash photos!
This video is from our Off-Camera Flash Photography Course.
Video Summary:
This tutorial focuses on a small but important flash accessory: the bounce card (or catchlight panel). The video explains its dual purpose when using bounce flash (pointing the flash head upward at a ceiling). First, it acts as a fill light by reflecting a small amount of light forward to soften unflattering shadows that often form under the eyes, nose, and chin when light comes only from above. Second, and most notably, it creates a bright, prominent catchlight in the subject’s eyes, adding life and definition to portraits. The host also explains how photographers use this card even outdoors (with the flash tilted up) primarily to generate this attractive catchlight.
Timestamps:
0:58 – Introduces and pulls out the bounce card from the flash head.
1:16 – Recaps that bouncing flash off a ceiling creates soft light but can cast unflattering shadows under facial features.
2:20 – Shows a portrait example with bounce flash only, highlighting deep shadows under the chin and neck.
2:40 – Explains that the bounce card reflects a small amount of light forward to fill in those harsh shadows.
2:55 – Shows the improved portrait with the bounce card deployed, demonstrating better shadow fill.
3:16 – Highlights the primary function: creating a sharp, prominent catchlight in the subject’s eyes, which is often lacking in pure bounce flash.
3:50 – Explains a common practice: using the bounce card outdoors (even with the flash tilted up) primarily to generate that desirable catchlight in the eyes, as there’s often no surface to bounce from.
5:42 – Summarizes the two main purposes of the bounce card:
1. Fill light to soften shadows.
2. Creating a nice catchlight in the eyes.
