Flash Photography
What Is Flash Photography?
Like the name implies, flash photography is photography using a flash. The primary purpose of flash photography is to illuminate a dark scene. It’s thus used when indoors or when ambient light outside is not enough. Although most people use flash photography for this reason, it has other uses as well.
A photographer can, for instance, use it when capturing moving subjects or changing the quality of the light. This can enhance photographs or give dramatic effect where it’s needed.
Flash photography is versatile and can be used in several forms of photography, from portraiture, fashion, real estat, and wildlife photography.
Types of Flashes
There are a large variety of flashes available on the market today. They are commonly built into the camera, but more advanced flashes are external units which fit to the hot shoe of the camera.
Most of these advanced flashes offer adjustable intensity and duration of the flash. This enables the photographer to adjust the flash according to their needs and the subject they’re working with. Many also have the choice of remote triggering where the flash can be triggered away from the camera.
Besides the flashes mentioned above, there are also many specialized flashes available. These include:
• Ring flashes which fit to the lens of the camera and reduces shadows in macro photography.
• High speed flashes that flashes many times in a short duration. These flashes are used in science or by engineers.
• Multi-flash systems that flash light from different directions and is used in technical or medical imagery.
• Standalone units such as strobe flashes that is used in studio photography.
There are also some techniques, with some accessories, that flash photographers use. Some ways are:
• Soft boxes, which diffuse the light, taking away the harshness and making it softer.
• Fill flash, which is used to supplement light in darker areas of the frame.
• Bounce flash where the photographer directs the flash at a reflective surface like an umbrella. In this way it can serve as a fill flash or to supply ambient lighting.
Besides these there are several other techniques and tools available like manually-triggered flash, colored gels, and strobing. With all the tools available, the possibilities with flash photography are endless.
In the articles below, read about Flash Photography tips, tutorials and news.
Beauty & Fashion Photography | The Specifics That Divide The Great From The Mediocre
These are the kind of specific pieces of information and advice you typically aren't taught by anything but experience.
When and How to Use Direct Flash The Right Way!
Leave no doubt, direct flash is the easiest way to get some unflattering shots, but if you do it right, you can create really great edgy looks to your images.
Light Feathering | What is it and How to Use It
In the following tutorial, Jay P. Morgan from The Slanted Lens shows us a technique called, "feathering" with a softbox.
10 Tips For Wedding Reception Lighting
Here are 10 lighting tips to get you through some tricky wedding reception lighting issues.
Ring Light VS Softbox | Which One Is Right For You?
For everything from makeup tutorials on Youtube to high-fashion portraiture, you should understand the differences, the advantages, and disadvantages of a ring light vs a softbox!
What is Flash Duration and Why Does It Matter?
With the recent release of some fairly impressive flashes, there's been a lot of talk about flash durations. I've also noticed a lot of misinformation which, at worst, could be misleading people. Read this to make sure you're not being duped by the marketing hype.
Sunset Portrait Photography Tips and Techniques
Learn how to create stunning, dramatic blue sunset portraits with a single OCF.
5 Common Key Light Patterns Every Portrait Photographer Should Know
As portrait photographers, one of the most important fundamental lessons we learn involves lighting patterns. We often focus on posing ...
How to Use Barn Door Lighting for Dramatic Portraits
Harsh light is back in popularity, and barn doors are a great way to control it for portraits and headshots.
Outdoor Flash Photography Tips for Natural or Dramatic Portraits
For some photographers, flash is only used out of necessity in low light scenarios. These natural light photographers rarely, if ...
Beginner’s Guide to Flash Photography – Tips, Tricks and Lessons
Struggling with flash? We've come up with 9 insightful tips to help you master flash photography.
