Flash vs Non Flash

[dnavarrojr]

** This is NOT a thread about Web Flash :lmao: **

The overwhelming majority of what I shoot is video, so it's not possible/practical to shoot with camera flash. I use continuous lighting. So, consequently, when I shoot stills I also avoid using flash and try to light the subject appropriately instead (especially since all I have at the moment is the on-camera flash).

So many photographers use flash, I'm wondering what I'm missing. Is it just a look? Is it a matter of having to carry less lighting equipment with you?

I'm looking at the photos I took without flash at a recent fashion show and those taken by a friend who used flash. Mine have much more natural color than his (I think his look flat and he was using a 580EX II with a diffuser). I showed a few of his pics to the client who hired me and she likes mine better as well.

That said... the most popular of my photos is actually a picture where I happen to catch someone else's flash going off causing a shadow on a far wall that everyone raves about.

Granted, there are MANY MANY situations where I can't set up all of my lights and I'm guessing those are the times when you really want a good flash. So I'm wondering if I should go ahead and budget for one.

 

[fokker]

There are times when you don't need a flash, times when you could use flash or just crank the ISO and open the lens up, and there are times when you need a flash or else you won't get anything worth keeping. There are also times when appropriate use of flash can make a subtle change to the photo (fill flash mostly) that dramatically improves it.

My advice, buy a 430EXII and use it, you won't regret it.

 

[kundalini]

I like flash, I use flash. You should try flash, you might like flash.

That said... the most popular of my photos is actually a picture where I happen to catch someone else's flash going off causing a shadow on a far wall that everyone raves about.

Shame that the (your?) arm got caught in the flash, causing a shadow on the dress.

 

[Fujito]

Photography is all about light. You should learn how to use flash to your advantage and always carry it with you just in case you need it.

 

[thingsIsee]

that shot has so many things going on if that is the one they like the best then I say get a flash.

Arm shadow, light washed dress, no detail, harsh lighting on model
the shadow on the wall is a cool added bonus.

 

[dnavarrojr]

I've been reading a few sites dedicated to flash photography and watching some tutorials on YouTube... So I'm adding a flash to my budget. I'll probably get it next month since I have plans for this month's budget already.

 

[Overread]

Just remember that, like all things, learning good flash control makes a big difference so I strongly recommend spending time to really learn and practice it. It's a key took to have and if you decide not to use it you want ot make that choice whilst having the full understanding of how to use the flash correctly rather than just getting part way and giving up

 

[dnavarrojr]

Just remember that, like all things, learning good flash control makes a big difference so I strongly recommend spending time to really learn and practice it. It's a key took to have and if you decide not to use it you want ot make that choice whilst having the full understanding of how to use the flash correctly rather than just getting part way and giving up

Thanks. I'm pretty anal about practice... I usually take a few dozen pictures a day around the house or whereever I am just to play with settings and try stuff out. So I will definitely be trying to wear it out within the first few weeks of getting it.

 

[kundalini]

There's two schools of thought about your initial flash purchase. One is to get a dedicated brand that matches your camera brand. It will have TTL capabilities and much more of an opportunity to put it on cruise control. The second is to buy a cheap (comparative price-wise) and learn to use on manual.... you'll eventually be there anyway. I'm in the first camp. Sometimes it's just a very nice convience to let the gesr talk to themselves. Doesn't mean you can't do manual either.

Here's a prime example of the advantage of TTL. Try getting 30 family members together at one sitting to take a photo. If you're not well versed in maual operations, this could've been a blown shot. As is, it was quite acceptable IMO. One hotshoe mounted flash using TTL. CLICKY.

 

[IAMAMRA]

I love my sb600, it has opened so many doors for my photography! The nice thing about it is I can easily bounce the flash around to create the lighting that I WANT instead of what i have....

 

[thingsIsee]

I have the 430 EX, 430 EX II and the 580 EX II. I use 1 or all 3 depending on what and how I need light.

 

[Dao]

This site has pretty good information regarding flash photography.

http://neilvn.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/1-natural-looking-flash/

 

[Village Idiot]

I've been reading a few sites dedicated to flash photography and watching some tutorials on YouTube... So I'm adding a flash to my budget. I'll probably get it next month since I have plans for this month's budget already.

Read this:
Strobist: Lighting 101

All of it.

Also, check out this thread:
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/beyond-basics/225858-strobist-post-your-photos-setups.html

 

[KmH]

**
So many photographers use flash, I'm wondering what I'm missing.

For me the main reason to use strobed light (flash) is because one can then control 2 exposures with a single shutter release.

Shutter speed controls the ambient light exposure, and lens aperture controls the strobed light exposure.

Using strobed light gives us the opportunity to control the quality and direction of the light more than continuous lighting allows.

Lastly, by using small, lightweight, battery operated hot shoe flash units the possibilities for light placement are greatly magnified.