Stumbled on a simple light bounce method for mall interiors

Was exploring the old Valley View Mall last week. Corridors were pitch black. Tried using my phone flash, but photos looked harsh. Remembered a trick from a friend. Use a white piece of paper to bounce light. Held it near my lens when shooting. Got softer, more even shots of the empty stores.

3 comments

Log in to join the discussion

Log In

3 Comments

xena_murray817mo ago

Yo, that white paper bounce trick you mentioned is legit. I used a similar hack in an empty movie theater a while back. Just had my phone camera, so I held up a receipt from my wallet to bounce the dim exit signs. It made the whole room look way less creepy and more even. Super simple but it totally saves shots when the light is trash. Your mall corridor pics must have that perfect soft glow now. Always cool when a basic fix works better than fancy gear.

5

dylanbell7mo ago

Actually @xena_murray81, thermal receipts absorb light.

4

val_sullivan46mo ago

Honestly that whole bounce light trick reminds me of trying to get a decent picture of my cat in a dark room last week. Tbh I just ended up shining my phone flashlight at the ceiling and it looked way less harsh. Ngl @xena_murray81 your movie theater story is way cooler than my cat photo struggles though. Makes you realize half the stuff in your pockets or bag can work in a pinch if you get creative with it.

6