Rules and Tricks for Flash Photography
So you got the latest DSLR and are ready to conquer the odds! Well, hold on a bit. Is it really that easy to wield a hi-fi digital camera and get the best shots possible? Everyone can take great pictures with natural light but things usually get out of hand in artificial light. Setting up large floodlights and reflectors may seem to be the ideal solution, but everyone cannot afford the expensive equipment. Here I present some economical ways of taking pictures in low-light and incandescent lighting situations.
If it’s a party you are taking photos of or a night out at the beach, you must know the differences and prepare accordingly. Ensure that your camera has a built in flash; a hot-shoe for external flash is a very useful plus point. You may even use an auxiliary flash with a plug-in socket for better illumination. An external flash unit with a tilt-able (90 deg) bounce head is the perfect source of artificial light. Make sure to get a good one within your budget.
Even if you are shooting indoors try to use ambient lighting for a natural feel. Of course, you will need to turn on the flash on a dance floor as such areas are poorly lit. Indoor areas with sufficient illumination may not require you to turn on your flash. However, if you need additional lighting, do not aim your flash directly at your subject rather point it towards the ceiling to get a spread of diffused light. Bounced off light also reduces red eyes of your subjects and creates a natural effect.
Equipment and Camera Setting
A wireless flash which works on the IR (infrared) system is best for low-light photography. Such flash units allow you to place the flash at another angle while being disconnected from the camera body. There is a small antenna which fixes on your hot-shoe and activates the IR flash which is placed at a strategic location. Installing a diffuser on the flash works perfectly; especially when you have to point the flash towards your subject.
1. Install a 'light scoop' if you cannot invest in an external flash
2. Get a diffuser if you are using the hot-shoe installed slash
3. Always work via the manual mode of your DSLR camera and avoid the auto
4. Exposure of the lens must be set to the Spot Meter
5. Preferable ISO setting should be set at 800
6. Ideal shutter speed for lowlight and flash photography is 1/2000
7. Maximum aperture settings must be set on the camera
While implementing bounce flash photography, ensure the ceilings of the area are not too high as the light wont bounce on the subject. Use a diffuser or a light-scoop for such areas.
