Flash gun... Do you really need one??

[Eyad]

Hi All,

I was just thinking... I'm a person who prefers shooting in the available light, I don't look for extra one from any other sources like the flash.

But I've been seeing around some books regarding using the flash to light subjects in a better way than the available light.

I'm undecided now, who thinks that a flash gun is a MUST have in your gear?? Why?

I like shooting Street and Portrait.

[WooD]

Light is a massive deal in photography.

Even when shooting outside portraits I'll at least use an off camera speed light as fill.

I'd hate the thought of not having one.

[TerryMC]

Nothing is a MUST except a camera and one lens. But you may want to explore outside your comfort zone or photography with flash.

Another thing to consider is that without a flash, you may not have enough light for that important shot. It is liked insurance.

[Vikkki]

Originally Posted by Eyad

I'm undecided now, who thinks that a flash gun is a MUST have in your gear?? Why?

Anything to get the shot the way you want it.. Flash can create drama in your pictures that available light can't.
Consider this picture for example :http://www.kevinwinzeler.com/Portfol..._LBwVL-L-5.jpg I fail to see how you can recreate this effect using available light..

So, yeah.. U may use it once in a while, but there is no reason to not have it with you for the times you might need one.
-Vikram.

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by Vikkki

Anything to get the shot the way you want it.. Flash can create drama in your pictures that available light can't.
Consider this picture for example : I fail to see how you can recreate this effect using available light..

So, yeah.. U may use it once in a while, but there is no reason to not have it with you for the times you might need one.
-Vikram.

To be fair, there are 2-3 strobes in that shot, not 1.

Having a strobe or two really depends on what you shoot. If you are into portraiture, then yes, you must have 2-4 strobes. If you are into macro, then yes, 1 strobe will do. If you shoot other things, ask yourself if you could improve the shot by adding light creatively to an area. If you can improve your work with a strobe, then yes, get a strobe.

[candleman]

Originally Posted by WooD

Light is a massive deal in photography.

Even when shooting outside portraits I'll at least use an off camera speed light as fill.

I'd hate the thought of not having one.

yup.... me too.
i almost always include flash.. unless the subject is too far away.
a couple of weeks ago i shot an event.. so i set-up two strobes and didnt have problem with light.

heres a wide shot to see where the strobes are

flash is very useful for "lifting" shadows from the face, and proving fill.
it evens out the image allot.

[inkista]

Until you've learned how to light something, you really don't know if you're choosing available light. No, a flash isn't required equipment. But depending on what kind of shooting you want to do, a flash can help you get the shot you want more easily. Lighting is more complex than shooting available light: you may need a lot more gear, and you have a whole helluva a lot more to think about. But you also have a lot more control.

But don't look at those Strobist photos and instantly assume all you need to make great shots is a speedlight. Remember, you have to have mastered all the other photography bits, too. My word of advice is, if you aren't thoroughly comfortable shooting in Manual and swapping stops among your iso, aperture, and shutter speed settings, you may want to hold off on getting a flash until you are. Because when you add flash, you'll be juggling two more balls in the exposure mix (flash power & distance) as well as working on two different exposure levels (ambient vs. flash), and your shutter speed isn't going to have the effect you think it will.

[daft_biker]

Flash is handy, especially when available light isn't going to give you the result you want. In the below shot the subject was in the shade and the background was bright. Without the flash there would have been little contast on the subject, they sky would be blown out highlights and I'd have struggled to get as high a shutter speed to freeze the movement.

[OsmosisStudios]

I like using available light (which is why i LOVE film in my FE: no TTL flash!) but I do prefer using flash for anything more serious, digitally.

[Eyad]

I see... appreciate all your input and thoughts!