Flash Photography Basics

Out of all of the different types of photography lights, flashes are the most common. Almost all new cameras have a built in flash and are frequently used by most photographers whether amateur or professional. But flashes vary significantly in how their built as well as their functionality and accessories. So, here are some tips so you can get the most out of your flash.

Studio Flash

These are the types of flashes that you see used on fashion shoots. They're more powerful than traditional in-camera lights, held in place by light stands, and need an external power supply. Studio flashes are super useful photography lights. You can easily move them around and have their light output and duration adjusted so you have total control over your lighting and the final image.

The first thing you want to do is make sure that your flash is shooting into a light umbrella or some other type of diffuser. A direct flash will usually overpower your subject so it's better to use a couple of reflectors and umbrellas to bounce light off your subject. Studio flashes usually have a "modeling" light that will allow you to see the end result of your setup, so you should be able to plot this bouncing fairly well.

If possible, keep your subject away from the backdrop so you'll avoid any sharp shadows in your picture. You've probably seen this effect in photographs that were shot with a digital camera - because the flash is dead center it casts a person-shaped shadow on the wall. Lastly, you should use more than one light source. The more photography lights that you have, the more flexible your light becomes.

The Camera Flash

Many cameras are built right into the camera and work on an automated basis. While this is great for cost and convenience, an automatic flash is often a main contributor to terrible photographs. There are some occasions when the light you need simply isn't available and studio lights are not an option like in the case of weddings.

Just like using a studio flash, you'll want to bounce your flash if at all possible so that it's less harsh. Think about all the different types of items that you have around your house that can be used as light reflectors- white bed sheets, light colored walls, ceilings, tablecloths and white poster board. Additionally, never rely on flash as the only light source. Flash looks best when used to augment the light you already have, so whenever possible try to only use it to fill in the dark spots. Finally, remember that flashes have an effective range - if your subject is too far away the photo will be underexposed.

Using flashes can be a complex subject and takes years of practice to truly master. If you're looking to take your photography to the next level, you should consider adding some photography lights to your "photo toolbox." With the right knowledge and lighting setup you really can make every photograph look like a masterpiece.