Shooting with an In-Camera Flash

Printer Friendly Version |

Rating:

Total Votes: 9

Like These Tips? Get Them Free In Your E-mail Everyday!

Rate This Tip! :

You may not like to use your camera’s flash, but sometimes it’s inevitable. Although some associate it with harsh light, if used correctly, a built-in flash unit can certainly enhance a shot’s quiet appeal. Here are some tips for making the most out of your camera’s flash…

1. Built-in vs. external flash units

A built-in flash unit is generally quite small because it shares its power source with the other parts of your camera. As a result, you should stand no further than 2-3 meters away from your subject if you intended to use your camera’s built-in flash. If such a close distance between you and your subject isn’t possible (perhaps you’re at a rock concert), turn your flash off and turn up the ISO setting. External flash units are of course available, but can be quite big because they have their own power sources.

2. Slow Sync Flash

Because built-in flash units simply generate more light as opposed to directing it, any unique rays of light in the composition will be lost. To avoid this phenomenon, try Slow Sync Flash. With this application, you choose a slower shutter speed and ignite the flash while the shutter is open.

3. Diffuse or Direct Your Flash DIY style

While fixed-flash units do not offer wide range, certain Do It Yourself approaches can diffuse or direct the light to your liking. You can put a piece of semi-opaque adhesive tape over the flash to diffuse the light or put a white card in front of the flash to bounce it up or sideways to direct the light. Note that your camera will not know that you’re adjusting the light so you may need to compensate and increase the exposure by a notch or two.

4. Fill-in Flash

The purpose of a flash is to add more light to an image, not to be the sole light for that image. So use your flash when photographing a subject with harsh downward light or strong backlighting (like this picture of a kitten), not to illuminate a dark space. For areas with heavy shadows use a fill-in flash, although beware that the entire background (not just the shadows) will appear significantly brighter.

~Zahid Javali

Want to comment on this tip? Click here! We'd love to hear from you!

Do you know something helpful to add to this tip? Click Here and let us know. We'll share it with the world!

Your name:
Email:	Your email address will not be published.
Subject:
Your suggestion:	Please Note - Use this form ONLY if you have additional information you think should be added to this tip (For example, you have a better / faster way of doing it, an additional warning, etc). All submissions are moderated by WorldStart personnel and subject to our approval and / or revisions. If approved, your information will be added below for anyone visiting this page to see. If you have a comment or question, please do not use this form! Instead, use the "Tip Feedback" link above.

Like these tips? Get them for FREE in your email!

Computer Tips with MS Office Tips Newsletter

Computer Tips Daily - Run your Windows PC like a pro! No matter what your skill level, beginner or advanced, you'll find tons of valuable tips, tricks, and ideas in every issue (plus great software deals). Become the computer guru you've always wanted to be! The tip you've just read was in this newsletter!
Computer Tips Weekly - If you don't want our Computer Tips newsletter every day, then sign up for this weekly newsletter to get the best information of the week. Sent on Fridays.

Other Newsletters

Software Deals - Every week, we send out great deals in our Software Deals newsletter. Many of these deals are exclusively for our Software Deals newsletter subscribers and can't be found with our regular specials.
Just For Grins - Each issue includes a couple clean jokes, some funny quotes, and a hilarious reader's story. Newsletter is sent five days a week.

Enter Email Address:

Your e-mail address is safe with us!
We only use it to send you the newsletters you request. It is NEVER disclosed to a third party for any reason, ever! Plus, if you decided you don't like our newsletters (don't worry, you'll love them), unsubscribing is fast and easy.

Computer Tips with MS Office Tips Newsletter

See what others say!

Sentry Folding Speaker System - $14.97