purpose of external flash?

13 years 1 week ago #60589 by Cays Cove
I am wondering what major purpose an external flash serves. I hate pictures where you can tell the flash was on by the extreme shadow in the background. However, I am needing a better lighting system for portraits (without the umbrellas and big equipment).


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13 years 1 week ago #60593 by Riggs
One of the single biggest reasons to get an external flash is the ability to "bounce" the flash off of a ceiling. That helps distribute the light and avoid the "shadows" you mention, and makes things look much more natural.


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13 years 1 week ago #60595 by devils fan
If you have someone with you, a reflector works great too with filling in the dark side of faces (or just adding a little light to your subject). I am JUST learning how to use my new flash and my head is spinning with all of the info.. The reflector is just the right amount of technology for me right now.


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13 years 1 week ago #60597 by Cays Cove

devils fan wrote: If you have someone with you, a reflector works great too with filling in the dark side of faces (or just adding a little light to your subject). I am JUST learning how to use my new flash and my head is spinning with all of the info.. The reflector is just the right amount of technology for me right now.


I do have a reflector, but I can't hold it while I'm taking the picture. I do not have anyone to go with me to help


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13 years 1 week ago #60601 by devils fan
Prop it up with a stick or something. I'm sure with a little time you could create a reflector that stands up on itself


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13 years 1 week ago #60605 by Riggs
Something else you may want to try is a technique called "fill flash".

And it can be done with your camera's on board flash.
Look in your manual to find out how to adjust the flash compensation or EV levels on your specific camera.

On those shots like the one you posted, you can use the pop-up flash and adjust the flash EV to put just a little "fill" light into the dark side of their face. It will help eliminate those shadows.


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13 years 1 week ago #60607 by Cays Cove
Oh that would be great, I will have to figure out how to do that.


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