One of the biggest part of a camera is the flash. But did you know that that you can change the settings on your flash? They call the flash the "flash fill" because you can fill in the camera with as much light as you want. this means that if you wanted to use the flash do take away some shadows when it is in the day you can change the settings to where everything isn't washed away.
The handbook asks a question, "Why do you need a flash" (Byng 118) and I found that question dumb because most people know what the flash does, it takes away the shadows. The book takes this meaning into a deeper level, "DSLR cameras have a limited 'dynamic range' which means they can only record detail in parts o the picture that are a few stops darker or lighter either side of the exposure set by the camera" (Byng 118). Basically it is saying that the camera can only focus on of the exposures to focus on so you cant change both parts of the image. So what you would do is have the exposure set to the brightest part of the image and use the flash fill the complete the other part. The flash will only be used to "fill" in the shadows and not overexpose the rest of the picture.
with flash without flash
The flash seams very straight forward but what I found interesting is that you can change the settings of the flash. Luckily the book comes with a step by step instructions:
"1. Most of the cameras have a flash composition button. press this, then rotate the Quick Control Dial to adjust the built-in flash power - you'll see it change in the display
2. Press the Q button to activate the Quick control screen on the LCD. Highlight the flash compensation symbol, and rotate the main dial to adjust the settings.
3. Delve into the menus and you'll find a setting for controlling the compensation value of the flash. You can also adjust the power of the flashgun attached to the camera
4. Alternatively, if you're using a hotshoe-mounted flashgun, you can adjust the power via its own compensation buttons (which take priority over in -camera settings, and monitor the changes on its LCD" (Byng 119).
Flash is used in many situations but mostly it is used in portraits. many times the sun creates a shadow over the face of our image. Your problems get even worse if your subject is backlit by a bright sky or wearing a hat to put his face in darkness. When multiple problems appear you can use the flash fill to open up those shadows. You can pop up the flash and use it to through away those shadows. Even if you aren't using a portrait this technique will work.
"Fancy using fill flash for more dramatic effect?" (Byng 120) Dramatic effect is what makes every photo unique, and you can get that effect with the flash fill. One way is to over expose the background so that the subject is more contrasted in the photo. what you do is take the meter of the back ground and make the stops just 1 or 2 stops darker than recommended. use the flash and fire away. There are also many more effects you can pull off with this setting. Sometimes not using a flash can add a special effect in itself with all the shadows.
Flash is a great way to enhance your pictures. In some cases you must rely on the flash to make the picture even relatively decent. there are many settings in the camera that are hard to use but the flash is the easiest one to use. If you are a beginner for the cameras, try and figure our the flash, it could help a lot.
I like this post Nik! I think this is really interesting and I as well have a like for photography. I will definitely be using some of these flash tips next time I am out taking pictures with flash!
ReplyDeleteHello Nikolas Marsolini. This was a very interesting read, I had no idea that a flash could be used in so many different ways. How would you recommend using the flash on other kinds of cameras like on phones?
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your photos. Especially the flowers. I've always had an interest in photography and this post helped give me some new information. I think I'm going to try to experiment with flash more often now.
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