how to shoot using just a pop-up flash?

[kwai_perez]

hi! i need ur suggestions on this..i had a hard tym figuring this out..at night, it's really impossible to shoot a very clear portrait without a flash unless you have a tripod with you. my prob with using a pop-up flash is the main subject is over-exposed while the background is under-exposed.. it's like the flash just hit the main subject causing the picture to be really bad. that's why i tried using a diy flash diffuser..it helped but not so much..it just fixed the over-exposed subject..but the background is still under-exposed..what i want is for the flash to be distributed equally..i really need your help..tnx!!

[cdgaskin]

I also only have an onboard flash, however i use a deffusing cover and i have my flash dialed down (should be in your menu settings) for starters, the rest is pp

[cdgaskin]

Also do as i and save up for a flash, there are some semi decent ones on ebay that have slave settings for less than $100 / £80

[Chip]

Does your camera have a setting for slow synch flash? This will leave the shutter open longer, which lets in more ambient (non-flash) light, which in turn lets the background show up. That's the easiest way to do it.

This DPS blog entry might help.

[kwai_perez]

Originally Posted by cdgaskin

I also only have an onboard flash, however i use a deffusing cover and i have my flash dialed down (should be in your menu settings) for starters, the rest is pp

diffusing cover? i only made a diffuser by using a film canister..

[kwai_perez]

Originally Posted by Chip

Does your camera have a setting for slow synch flash? This will leave the shutter open longer, which lets in more ambient (non-flash) light, which in turn lets the background show up. That's the easiest way to do it.

This DPS blog entry might help.

my cam is Nikon D70..slow sync flash is under wat mode? shutter priority? or apperture priority? thank u so much!

[cdgaskin]

go on ebay and type in your camera followed by diffuser and you should get a list showing a plastic square type contraption that fits over the pop up flash (i surf dps during the day on my phone so i cant add links or i would have done for you.)

[Chip]

Originally Posted by kwai_perez

my cam is Nikon D70..slow sync flash is under wat mode? shutter priority? or apperture priority? thank u so much!

No, it's not like that. I have a D90 - maybe it's similar to your D70? Holding the camera as you would to take a photo, there's a button of the front of the camera, to the left of the viewfinder. While holding down that button and turning one of the command dials, you should be able change the mode of the flash to "slow" (among other settings).

Don't mean to be rude, but your manual is the best place to get this info. Once you learn how to get into slow synch, experimenting is likely the best way to learn.

If you want a more involved solution, try this blog. It's mainly for off camera flash, but the concept is largely applicable to a pop up flash.

[DogHeadGod]

Originally Posted by kwai_perez

my cam is Nikon D70..slow sync flash is under wat mode? shutter priority? or apperture priority? thank u so much!

I use a D70s, hold down the button for your flash (the lightning symbol) and rotate the dial at your thumb until the top display reads "REAR"

This will fire the flash at the end of the exposure. So you then set a longer exposure which means the background will be exposed properly with burst of flash right at the end to light the person you are taking the picture of. Remeber to turn it back to normal flash mode afterwards.

If the person is over exposed they are standing to close.... either move further away or turn down the flash power using the menu.

DHG.

[bhursey]

Originally Posted by kwai_perez

diffusing cover? i only made a diffuser by using a film canister..

Film canister will work fine. I used that many times. Your limited by the reach of your flash. Try the rear sync. I would suggest saving up for an external flash.