Using flash with your camera ...

… so no one can tell.

Photography classes Langley — Put a guitar in his hands and Matt is in his element. Helmi captured this well and then expertly added a textured background.

We’ve all seen them … and we’ve all taken a few: photographs with flash, where the eyes are red, the face over exposed and the background all dark. They might preserve a memory but they sure don’t do the subject any justice, nor the photographer.

Using flash with your camera so no one can tell has been the primary focus for the first three weeks of Intermediate Photography. The classes involved working with models and lots of practice. On our third session, we set up life-like situations in our home. The goal was to capture the essence of the person, doing what they love to do in a favourite place. So, we had Joan baking in the kitchen, Randy reading to his grandchildren, Matt playing his guitar and Mike hanging out with his motorcycle. And lots of busy photographers.

I’m delighted with the work of the students. As you can see from the photos below, they’re doing an awesome job.

Learn to use flash — Mike is chilling out with his motorcycle after a long ride.

Learn to use your camera in real situations, Langley BC — If the kitchen smells good, Joan has made something special.

Flash photography made simple, Langley BC — Reading with the Grandchildren is always fun.

Learn Photography Langley — Groovin’. Captured so well by Tracy.

Learn to use flash on your camera — The scene in our garage with Mike on his motorcycle.

For Photographers

All of the photos above were taken with an accessory flash mounted on the camera. Although off-camera flash is an excellent technique, on-camera flash is the way to go when you are on the move. The students in Intermediate Photography have learned how to use their flash effectively while mounted on the camera by using walls, reflectors and diffusers to soften and direct the light. We’ve had four criteria to guide us:

– the light and shadows should be soft and natural
– when the situation permits, the light should be directional (i.e.) stronger on one side of the face than the other, to add a 3-D quality to the image
– the light from the flash should balance with the background
– and there should be a sparkle in the eyes.

All of these are achievable with on-camera flash in just about any situation, indoors or out.

If you are interested in learning more, take a look at the courses I offer and let me know if you’d like to sign up for the next one.