How to Soften Harsh Camera Flash

There are lots of ways to do it. Some can be done on the fly and others need some preparation (more or less).

Steps

1
Create a bounce card. This can work with your on or off camera flash. Some useful items are:
- White post it notes
- Note cards with no lines
- Printer paper
- Card paper
  - For an on camera flash, fold the paper so that it comes between the flash and the subject. If you have a 3 * 5 notecard, those work great, but use the side without the lines.
  - For your off camera flash, you can use a band or scrunchy, or something like that, to fasten the paper to the flash.
2
Find something that will create a translucent barrier for the flash (kind of like a really, tiny, soft box). Some ideas are:
- Paper towel
- Tissue
- One use store bags
3
Be aware that the color of the barrier will affect the color and white balance of the photograph. Be sure that you can set your white balance properly.
4
Finished.