Flash Photography Tips and Tricks
Most flash units for regular cameras are electronic and built into the camera. Although for professional photographers using more expensive equipment, the flash unit and camera can be two separate pieces. Flashes are most commonly used indoors as the main source of light when the desired area to have photographs taken is too dark. And while the flash is an effective anecdote to the problem or poor lighting, flashes themselves can create some challenges for camera operators.
This article will identify some of the most common difficulties with flash photography as well as identifying solutions and tips to overcome or work around the problems.
Going against the grain
Often when using a non-professional camera the low intensity of the flash can result in pictures that are taken at a distance coming out grainy or unclear. The best way to remedy this is to remember the limitations of the camera and keep the range between the subject and the camera to a maximum distance of three metres. By taking a picture further away than that you are compromising the quality of the photograph.
Goodbye to red eye
"Red eye" is one of the most common complaints about in-built camera flashes. Having all the people in your photographs with scary red glowing eyes is not particularly attractive, however this is one of the more difficult challenges the flash poses.
The problem arises from the fact that the human eye's retina mirrors the red light from the camera flash straight back at the camera. So the problem is essentially human nature.
Some cameras have a "red eye reduction" feature that emits a few pre flash light flashes that aim to get the iris of the eye to contract so by the time the real flash comes the chance of the red eye effect appearing is reduced. Red eye reduction functions works with mixed results.
Some people recommend that the best way to avoid the red eye effect in photos is to have a separate flash unit that isn't attached to the camera. Others suggest that for amateur cameras the problem is inevitable and if you have a digital camera it may be best fixed later on in photoshop.
Out of the shadows
Using the in-built camera flash can often result in the people in photos looking as if they have been "outlined". The shadows cast by the flash can make the subject of the picture look very harsh. To lessen these effects try to take your photos against a darker background, or even better in the middle of a room with no structured background at all. If you take your photos against a white wall the in-built flash will not provide the most flattering results.
Getting more serious
For people who wish to take more than family happy snaps or photographs on the weekend it is advisable to purchase a camera with a separate flash unit. There are many different types available and why they may be at the higher end of the price range there is a noticeable difference in the end result.
All of the above imperfections listed that can appear in photographs using a camera with an in-built flash can be improved or eliminated by having a separate flash. This is because those effects are caused by the flash and the camera lens being positioned too close to each other.
By holding the separate flash unit at, at least arms length away from the camera, the harsh shadows and outline effect can be reduced.
To reduce the effects of red eye with a separate flash unit, angling the flash away from the subject of the photograph and bouncing the light of the ceiling, another wall or a reflector, still provides illumination but does not result in red eyed subjects.
The best way to identify the strengths and weaknesses and to best work with them is to experiment as much as possible with your camera in different environments, at different times of the day and night with different backgrounds and lighting effects. Once you are familiar with your equipment the flash will be better utilised and your photos will be of a higher quality.
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