Learn & Explore Series Episode 20
"Learning the Secrets of Selecting an Off-Camera Flash"
Did You Know?
The sync speed of a flash determines the ratio between fill-flash and ambient light, based on a specific amount of flash power. Only ISO and aperture control the total exposure.
Did You Know?
Although the color of sunlight and light from a flash are nearly identical, you can subdue the blueness of your outdoor photos by attaching a pale orange piece of plastic film, or gel, across the flash face. Try a 1/4 or 1/2 CTO gel.
Did You Know?
The enclosure and reflector of many professional-grade flash units can be removed to shoot with the bare tube. This creates a 360-degree illumination, bouncing light off walls and the ceiling for a much softer lighting effect.
Questions covered in the above interview:
- What are the benefits of using a flash off the camera versus on the camera?
- What is the best position for an off-camera flash in relation to the camera?
- Do specific camera brands need specific flash brands or are they are all compatible?
- What are the major factors when comparing flash units?
- Should I select an off-camera flash based on the kind of photography I shoot?
- Is it important to understand the various temperatures of light to use a flash correctly?
- What is TTL?
- What is sync speed?
- Can flash units be triggered wirelessly?
- What is fill-flash and how is it used?
- Why would I want to use a colored gel in front of the flash head?
- Why must the timing of the focal plane shutter in a DSLR camera be in sync with a flash?
- What is recycling time and is it different for various flash units?
- How do you balance the light from a flash with fluorescent light?
- What is the benefit of using an off-camera flash outdoors?