On Camera Flash Thread

[Tiberius]

I'd like to start a thread to discuss on camera flash. As much as we may hate it, the fact remains that many of us are stuck with it, being unable to afford Pocket Wizards or other such radio remotes.

So, what techniques do you use to make on camera flash look better? We're all familiar with bounce flash, but are there any other techniques you use? Maybe you do more than simply bounce the flash off a convenient wall or ceiling. Maybe you have a full length dress mirror that you take to bounce the flash off, to make it look like you really have a flash off camera. Do you have a diffuser that you use? if so, what's it like? When do you use it?

So even though on camera flash may be life dealing us lemons, many of us are just stuck with it (for the moment at least), so let's try to make some lemonade.

[jdepould]

you do know that you can get a cord to get the flash off of the hot shoe, yes?

[mdwsta4]

it's quite easy to get your flash off camera or to add an external flash unit. not to mention there are wireless triggers on ebay that cost under $40. if you can't afford that.... well you probably can't afford a camera. PC sync cords are also relatively inexpensive.

if you're keeping the on camera flash, just step it down a few stops and put a homemade diffuser on it.

[PunkRockDad]

I have used a large flourencent light cover that I have laying around my workspace. It has come in handy several times as the lighting in my shop is poor at best and I am often stuck with deep shadows when shooting with a flash.

[Tiberius]

I know that it is fairly easy to get the flash off camera, but it is still fairly hard for some people. The Canon shoe cord is only two feet long, as it's designed simply to place the flash on a bracket. Canon's intention with off camera flash seems to be to use the built in slaves, but this requires purchasing several of the expensive EX flashes. Also, not all cameras have PC sockets, such as the popular 350D/Rebel XT.

There are also situations such as weddings that don't lend themselves well to off camera flashes (unless you want to hold everything up while you get your flashes into position.

[WooD]

I guess I was lucky. All I had to do was buy a SB600. No triggers, cords, or anything else needed.

I have to say it was the best purchase I've made as far as any camera equipment goes.

[mdwsta4]

...hmmm.... the wireless ebay triggers/receivers simply slip onto your hot shoe of your camera and the other to the hotshoe of your flash.... real difficult...

this also allows you to buy any flash, not a canon specific flash. you can get better quality/power nikon and vivitar flashguns for $75 and under!

i couldn't tell you the last time i was at or shot a wedding where flashes were not allowed. sometimes during the ceremony they're not allowed, but then it wouldn't matter if you had an off camera flash or not. as far as holding them.... there are brackets specifically designed to hold your flash off camera. or you have an assistant, or you set up your flashes on light stands throughout the venue.

Originally Posted by Tiberius

I know that it is fairly easy to get the flash off camera, but it is still fairly hard for some people. The Canon shoe cord is only two feet long, as it's designed simply to place the flash on a bracket. Canon's intention with off camera flash seems to be to use the built in slaves, but this requires purchasing several of the expensive EX flashes. Also, not all cameras have PC sockets, such as the popular 350D/Rebel XT.

There are also situations such as weddings that don't lend themselves well to off camera flashes (unless you want to hold everything up while you get your flashes into position.

[clockdoc]

Hi. I do not know what camera you are using but if your camera has a "Slow" shutter speed setting you can get a nicely balanced shot indoors where the flash exposes for the subject based on aperture and the shutter speed exposes for ambient room light (along with the same shutter speed.) You probably di this manually even if your camera does not have the slow shutter speed setting by testing and some trial shots. Since the shitter speed can sometimes slow to below what is acceptable for handholding the camera, use of a tripod is recommended.
If what you were asking about is using reflectors and the onboard flash, placing the subject close to a white wall or corner will give best results. Otherwise you can used large white card stock held close to the subject for some fill-in reflection. Using a higher than normal camera position angled downward will help to supress the background shadow from the onboard flash.

[Isilwen]

I think it was someone on here that told me to put a piece of white tissue paper in front of my flash if I had to use it. Haven't tried that yet, but have been tempted! My S# IS doesn't have a hot shoe adapter or anything so I'm fairly well stuck with what I've got as well. Can't afford anything else or I'd have bought a DSLR!

[clockdoc]

Don't dispair Lsilwen! Why do you feel you need a piece of tissue on your flash head? Are you trying for a softer light? Sometimes changing the location of your shot may help to diffuse or scatter the light. Shoot closer to a white wall or room with a low ceiling for more 'bounce." You could also try a diffusion filter on your lens if you are shooting portraits. A sinple piece of window screen held in front of the lens also acts as a 'soft' filter. Just be careful with whatever you place in front of your flash tube as some can get very hot when fired.