Does everyone try to avoid using their flash?

[SaraSmile]

Okay, everyone said it's okay to ask anything here. Here I go:

I remember a couple of years ago when I first got my Nikon D50, and was taking candid shots of dancers in a mall. There was plenty of overhead sunlight coming thru the mall atrium ceiling that gave a nice cloudy ambience of lighting. A fellow photographer (he's professional - I'm a beinner), who's also an aquaintance of mine was also there and he snapped at me to turn off my flash. (We were overlooking a balcony). I was a little embarrassed (at the time), and I had no clue how to turn it off (now I do), so he took my camera (he also was a D50 user), and changed the settings for me. My photos were gorgeous that day, using the natural lighting.

Since that day, however, I find that I'm reluctant to use my flash. Of course, I never use it for faraway shots, or indoor recital shots with stage lighting, or nighttime shots. But I am wondering" when is it appropriate to use the flash?

I DO know I should use it on very bright sunny days outdoors to aleviate shadows on faces.

But how about indoor shots with my continuous lighting and backgrounds? It's not really necessary with my two umbrellas and lights it would seem, so I often turn it off for those studio shots. Is that wrong?

So when is a flash necessary without looking completely amateur like I did that day in the mall?

[windrider86]

Dont let that person get to you. In time, you'll know when to use your flash and when not to. I son't use mine often enough and for those times I dont, I sure wish I had because it makes for that much more work in post.

[takethislife5150]

I don't actively avoid it, I use it where I know it will help me get the photos I want.

If I am shooting BMX outdoors and its overcast, I use flash to illuminate the bikers, if it were sunny, I might use the natural light.

If I'm doing live music, I might use the flash to highlight the subject, or not use the flash to capture the ambience of the lighting

its all about knowing what flash can do for you, and when to use to get the photos you want.

Kenneth

[Chip]

I tend to use flash quite a bit for portraits at sunset. Have the people face you and use the flash to light their faces. Lots of other uses, too.

Everyone learns at their own pace. So, no need to rush.

[SaraSmile]

This is WONDERFUL advice, and so appreciated. I will definitely use it, especially the sunset shots advice will come in handy.
Anyone got any flash advice for in-studio shots? Do you turn your flash off and rely just on your studio lighting? (I am using constant lighting with umbrellas at this point).

[OsmosisStudios]

I dont use the pop-up (except as a trigger). It's either an external or off-camera speedlight for me.

[WooD]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

I dont use the pop-up (except as a trigger). It's either an external or off-camera speedlight for me.

+1....................

[Doug Pardee]

Originally Posted by SaraSmile

So when is a flash necessary without looking completely amateur like I did that day in the mall?

It sounds like you're pretty well straight already. I don't see any reason to tell you anything different from what you've written.

Supplemental lighting is a complex discipline, probably more complex than the photography itself. It's a matter of learning and of experience with your particular type of photography and your equipment.

There's a forum here on DPS devoted to lighting issues: http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/lighting/

[SaraSmile]

Thanks so much!

[sarahgirl777]

I never never never use a pop up flash, it tends to make your photos look flat and like a snapshot. If you are using continuous studio lighting then I think it would be silly to use your pop up flash too because it's possibily stronger than your studio lights and could easily overpower them making your photos again flat and giving red eye. I do however use flash all the time but I use my speedlight, if on camera I usually bounce it or diffuse it if there is no other option. Otherwise I mostly use off camera speedlights with stands and umbrella's or softboxes.

Here is a link to a great website where the guy uses a lot of on camera flash (again a speedlight not a pop up flash).