May
3
Top tip for using flash
Check out our tip for getting the best results from your flash
When shooting with an external flash on-camera, you will get far better results by bouncing the flash off the ceiling (or a nearby wall) than by simply pointing the flash directly at the subject. Most flash units include a small white card that’s tucked into the flash head. This can be extended to provide catchlights when bouncing the flash.
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Flash is used for 2 reasons primarily
1 being as a fill in, solely to reduce the amount of contrast. This flash should be used as close to the camera as possible to stop double shadows. Often people talk about balancing against the main light source and putting the flash away from the camera as a fill in. This is a totally misguided idea. People also use the reflectors in this incorrect way. Causing strange effects.
The other main use of a flash is to be the main light source. The idea of this is to mimic the lighting from the Sun and is the basis of good Studio lighting especially for Portraits.
Keeping the lighting simple like most of life is usually a very good idea.
Just some thoughts on using flash.
Regards
Nicholl
Thanks. It is interesting to get such information time to time on various topics.
Well said Nicholl although I would bounce the flash where possible behind me for fill (for contrast control) to soften shadow edges (larger light source). Same with using the flash as a main, you can direct it to a corner of the room inside. The white pop-up card can leave a harsh edged shadow if the subject is next to a wall, this looks ugly.
Si
A picture to illustrate above.. I don’t know if this works as a picture or just pastes the link.
http://www.gloucesterphotographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Gloucester_Photographer_Wedding_samples_082.jpg