Is it time for presents yet?

[hgansen]

I snapped this photo of my lil Sere(ndipity) Christmas Eve morning. I am having troubles with indoor shots, especially of her since my flash tends to blow out the whites/details of her face. I am shooting a Canon EOS 30D, and using the built in flash. I've only just begun shooting with it. Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks all

[karen_s]

Unfortunately I am unable to view the image larger, probably a DPS hangover glitch from the holidays. But, I do have two cents worth on the built in camera flash ...

1. You can try a diffuser like this one ...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Diffuser.html

Or you can save some money and make one out of a plastic milk carton or even an old film canister like this one ...

http://content.photojojo.com/diy/diy...lash-diffuser/

2. You may also be able to dial down the intensity of the flash. My 50d has this so just check your manual for something (I think is) called 'flash exposure compensation'. I believe your 30d has this but not sure.

3. As you start to understand flash, start looking into how to mix ambient light and flash together for more natural results.

4. Built in flashes are not that great but, if it's all you have, work with it and make the most out of it. Then splurge and buy and off camera one

And even in the thumbnail, Sere looks like a such a sweet one.

[hgansen]

Thanks so much for the advice! I will check my manual for flash exposure compensation...and will "Macgyver" it until I can scrounge up the money for the extras!