I try to avoid flash if possible. The reason for this is the
unnatural way the images record on film when flash is used. At times however, you need to
use flash if you want to photograph a subject in low light or even in day light to remove
shadows and create a balanced exposure between the subject and its surroundings. Direct
flash can properly expose your main subject, but can cause the background to record dark.
Shutter speed has no effect on the exposure. Shutter speed's only purpose is to stay open
long enough for the flash pulse to record on film. Exposure is controlled by the f-stop
and the flash. You can use any shutter speed up to the flash sync. By changing shutter
speeds you can control background exposure to give your images a more natural look. If you
use a fast shutter speed, there is no time for the background light to reach the film. Use
a long shutter speed with flash so both the main subject and the background can be
recorded. Flash is used to illuminate the main subject and the shutter speed controls
background exposure. Some photographers use two separate flashes, one for the main subject
and one for the background. I don't like this technique simply because of having to carry
a bigger load. It is also best to use flash off the camera. Some scenes can be
photographed without flash with reasonably good shutter speeds for freezing action. Either
in shade or very bright sun, colors may not record well and shadows can be a problem. By
using flash off the camera, you can give the scene enough exposure and still get natural
looking images. You need to make sure you are within the flash range with the f-stop you
select. See your flash guide number or if your model has f-stop settings and distant marks
for different ISO films, check to see if you are in range. Just pick an f-stop and focus
on your subject. Note the distant scale on your lens. Make sure your f-stop covers this
distance, otherwise move-in closer or use a wider f-stop. Indoors, flash is usually needed
even with fast films. In this situation you either use flash or pack up and go home.
Indoor sports for instance, require flash to freeze action. Sports arenas provide enough
light for the players but flash is also needed for proper exposure and freezing action. It
is much easier to create natural flash photos indoors. Artificial lights are used to
illuminate the arena, so using another artificial light such as flash won't make that much
difference. Your main concern is to make sure your flash covers the range needed to freeze
your subject.
It is impossible to create flash photos
that match natural light. You need to position your flash carefully. Experiment by
changing shutter speeds to record a more natural background. Use flash only if you have.
You can create some unusual effects with flash indoors as well as outdoors by using long
exposures. You can blur a moving subject during normal light exposure and freeze it by
flash light. Some units include a rear curtain flash which fires the flash just before the
shutter is closed as opposed to normal flash which goes off at the beginning. This can
give a different and interesting effect. |
Canon EOS D30, Tokina 20-35mm f-2.8 zoom, 1/60sec
at f-4, flash, handheld.
Recommended reading:
Beginner's Guide to
Photographic Lighting: Techniques for Success in the Studio or on Location
Teaching beginner photographers how to create
good, flattering light, this book discusses topics such as proper equipment,
developing an eye for form, and positioning equipment to maximize the appeal
of a subject. As studio photographers face a host of lighting challenges not
often encountered outdoors-from lighting reflective objects to photographing
food-this guide provides unexpected tips and surprising solutions for adding
a jolt of creativity to images. Step-by-step guidance on using the ordinary
to create the extraordinary is provided. With its dual focus on creating
lighting styles that are both technically correct and creative, this book
shows photographers how to effectively light everything from portraits to
product shots with confidence.
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