No, not Flash Gordon, the photographic flash. I am still struggling to get flash right. I want to be able to take good pictures everywhere, particularly in the shade where my subjects will not need to be squinting into direct sunlight (although with our current weather, chance would be a fine thing). So may portraits were spoiled in my last couple of trips where the bright sun was uncomfortable for the subjects.
My main problem is it’s not just that one scenario, there are so many situations where flash is required, or could conceivably make for a better shot. More often than not though the usual flash effect happens, overly harsh bright white, an unrealistic, amateurish and forced photograph.
The goal is “fill flash” rather than “overdone flash”. Particularly in outdoor portraits it is good to have an impression of the surroundings but no shadows on the faces. Theory goes you set exposure for the background and use flash to illuminate (or “fill light”) just enough to bring out your subject. A lovely affect called “rim lighting” is where the subject gets a halo or aura of light by placing them so they are illuminated from behind, using flash to expose their front.
It’s well worth experimenting with flash before you decide to use it in anger. I found with my built-in flash on my Canon 350D you need to get close in order for it to even work to light the subject but if you get too close it just ruins the shot. When I have experimented more I will buy a flash gun, just for the benefit of being able to bounce the light, but this will also help with distance issues.
Got any tips for using flash? Please do share them in the comments …
Technorati Tags: lighting, flash, exposure, fill, rim, photography, tips
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Here are some Flash photography related links.