Originally posted by torashi You do know there are diffusers and CTO gels, right?
Sometimes the sun's on the wrong side or there's no way of not casting a shadow on to the subject.
Yes, torashi.... I'm aware of filters and diffusers, CTO gels and what they do. If YOU want to use a flash, by all means, do so. With the type of photography I'm interested in, I've NEVER once in my 50+ years of having a camera in my hands, have I every wanted or needed a flash UNLESS it was during a family get-together on a holiday and the "family album" photos called for it.
I just don't like the effects of flash in the type of photography I'm interested in. I've managed to create some fairly decent photographs in my lifetime without EVER having to resort to flash. If the sun is on the wrong side, I move. If that doesn't work, then I'll wait till a different time of the day. Often, I'll carry a white sheet of cardboard or a mirror to use as a reflector if I get in a situation that calls for it. I have an AWOL bag full of stuff like that that can be very handy at times.... but it doesn't contain a flash.