When Do You Use Flash?

jaieger · 08-13-2010, 02:02 PM

I'm goin to be a photographer in my school for sporting events/clubs/etc. as opposed to shooting on my own, which is mostly nature/macros/some street shooting. I was just wondering, in what circumstances do you all use flash? Is it only when shooting (for the most part) events/people in lowlight conditions? Or dyou use them more commonly in other aspects of photography as well?

deadwolfbones · 08-13-2010, 02:03 PM

Never, if I can avoid it.

GeneV · 08-13-2010, 02:14 PM

I use it indoors (less so, since I have the K-x) and for fill against a brightly lit sky or other background. Actually, there are many uses. This is a rather broad question.

jaieger · 08-13-2010, 02:21 PM

Originally posted by GeneV

I use it indoors (less so, since I have the K-x) and for fill against a brightly lit sky or other background. Actually, there are many uses. This is a rather broad question.

I meant for it to be broad; dyou have a list of examples? I'm considering getting a Metz 48, but I'm just not sure if I'd be able to put it to good use - I've only ever used my flash as a fill for taking pictures of my friends.

SpecialK · 08-13-2010, 02:45 PM

I'd suggest getting a book on the subject.

And I agree with the posters above - try to avoid using it, and use it on the occasion that need it :-)

Probably the biggest tip I have is to bounce it off something like a white wall or ceiling or even a clip-on diffuser rather than aiming it directly resulting in harsh light and shadows. That requires more power, so there is that consideration.

alohadave · 08-14-2010, 03:14 PM

Read www.strobist.com

Specifically: Strobist: Lighting 101

Then: Strobist: Lighting 102: Introduction

Then read the On Assignment archives.

It's structured to off-camera flash, but all of the principles apply to on-camera as well.

08-13-2010, 02:02 PM	#1
jaieger Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 586	When Do You Use Flash? I'm goin to be a photographer in my school for sporting events/clubs/etc. as opposed to shooting on my own, which is mostly nature/macros/some street shooting. I was just wondering, in what circumstances do you all use flash? Is it only when shooting (for the most part) events/people in lowlight conditions? Or dyou use them more commonly in other aspects of photography as well?

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08-13-2010, 02:03 PM	#2
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	Never, if I can avoid it.

08-13-2010, 02:14 PM	#3
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	I use it indoors (less so, since I have the K-x) and for fill against a brightly lit sky or other background. Actually, there are many uses. This is a rather broad question.

08-13-2010, 02:21 PM	#4
jaieger Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 586 Original Poster	Originally posted by GeneV I use it indoors (less so, since I have the K-x) and for fill against a brightly lit sky or other background. Actually, there are many uses. This is a rather broad question. I meant for it to be broad; dyou have a list of examples? I'm considering getting a Metz 48, but I'm just not sure if I'd be able to put it to good use - I've only ever used my flash as a fill for taking pictures of my friends.

08-13-2010, 02:45 PM	#5
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	I'd suggest getting a book on the subject. And I agree with the posters above - try to avoid using it, and use it on the occasion that need it :-) Probably the biggest tip I have is to bounce it off something like a white wall or ceiling or even a clip-on diffuser rather than aiming it directly resulting in harsh light and shadows. That requires more power, so there is that consideration.

08-14-2010, 03:14 PM	#6
alohadave Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Quincy, MA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,024	Read www.strobist.com Specifically: Strobist: Lighting 101 Then: Strobist: Lighting 102: Introduction Then read the On Assignment archives. It's structured to off-camera flash, but all of the principles apply to on-camera as well.