To flash or not to flash

stepollard1

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Hiya guys,

Can somebody please explain the myths around using a pop up flash (as this is all I have for now)

Now some people are dead against it and some say use it in most circumstances. Oh the confusion
 
It's shortcomings can be worked around. Simply by fashioning on a business card in front of the flash (you can normally secure it with a rubber band via the little stub that the flash hides in with the camera brand on it). It effectively turns it into a bounced flash that provides a softer light with less shadows. I recommend shooting with a longer focal length than 50mm with it, or else you'll see a shadow cast by the business card.
 
I've used it for fill flash outdoors, that's about it.
 
No, did you read my post ?

It effectively turns it into a bounced flash that provides a softer light with less shadows.

Put one on your camera and give it a shot. What camera do you have? It should have flash power output adjustments for it if you're still getting an undesirable effect.
 
A business card angled will act as bounced light if you have a ceiling to bounce off of.

A few folds of tissue paper will act as a diffuser.

Bare bulbed, the pop up is pretty harsh light. Some cameras have the capability to adjust the power output in reasonable steps.
 
The problem with the built-in flash is that it's small, and it's close to the lens. Therefore, it gives you a hard light source that lights your subjects evenly...and even lighting usually means boring photos.

As for the business card mentioned above, the idea is to redirect the light from the flash so that it bounces off something (wall or ceiling). This can solve the two problems mentioned above because the ceiling becomes a much larger light source (softer light) and it changes the direction of the light hitting the subject.

But still, the built-in flash isn't going to be all that powerful, so you will be limited with how far you can bounce it, but there are other factors (ISO & aperture) that will determine your working distance.
 
I have a D3000, yeah I can change the flash settings, but its just making do with what ive got for now.
 
i'm using the popup flash all the time on my D300. in commandermode.
I've never used it as a lightsource and hopefully i'll never have to.
i'm even using an nikon SG-3IR to block the light from it as much as possible.
 
But i rather have harsh light than underexposed or blurry pics :)
 
Did you even try it the other way?
 

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