Using a flash can improve your images but it is important to know when, why, and how to use them.
Most consumer cameras have a fill flash built in. These limit your ability to adjust the location of the flash and possible limits to power outputs, but having any flash is better than none. Many cameras with a built in flash also have a flash shoe which you can use to mount an external flash or receiver to trigger your external flash remotely. The benefit to this is being able to move your flash to direct the light to meet your needs.
Finally, most Prosumer or Pro cameras have no built in flash, but contain the flash shoe. External flash units can typically be set to under or over expose by setting the output on the actual flash. The method in which this is achieved may be slightly different by brand, but most are pretty user friendly. An externally mounted flash is what I used on the example shots below.
How do you apply fill flash to your photography? |
- A certain amount of experimentation is required and you will begin to notice when and how much is needed with time and practice.
- I typically expose for my background, then do a test shot with the flash at 100% power. Note, most cameras have a maximum shutter speed of 200 when using fill flash.
- If the fill flash is too strong, it will have an unatural and overexposed look to it. To adjust, simply dial down the power and try again until you achieve the results you desire.
- You may need to adjust exposure settings to ensure your foreground and background are balanced out as well.
- I have an off camera shoe cord that I use to move the flash around so I can do side, top, or low lighting. Some people use transmitters to do this wirelessly as well.
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Here are some examples of shots I took with and without fill flash
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No flash: Wagon wheel, Bodie State Historic Park, California
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Flash: Wagon wheel, Bodie State Historic Park, California
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No flash: Chrysanthemum, Carmichael, California
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Flash: Chrysanthemum, Carmichael, California
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No flash: Goldfinch, Carmichael, California
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Flash: Goldfinch, Carmichael, California
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No flash: fern and creek, Sierras, California
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Flash: fern and creek, Sierras, California
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No flash: portrait, Sacramento, California
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Flash: portrait, Sacramento, California
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No flash: Desert spiny lizard, Lake Powell, Utah
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Flash: Desert spiny lizard, Lake Powell, Utah
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No flash: Autumn leaf on trail, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California
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Flash: Autumn leaf on trail, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California
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No flash: Sunflower, Dixon, California
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Flash: Sunflower, Dixon, California
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I hope this inspired you to get out there and fill in with flash! |
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