Basics of Bounced-flash Photography

[abisurd]

What is bounced-flash photography?

Bounced-flash photography could be defined as one in which the primary source of illumination is from a flash gun (on or off camera) that is bounced into a wall or cieling.
The idea is that when light bounces back from a wall or cieling, it (wall or cieling) acts as a big source of light. Such a light source draws minimal shadows and provides even illumination on the subject

Why do I need it?

I use it whenever I need to take photos of subjects with on-camera flash. These are mostly situations where I cannot set softboxes or umbrellas. Either the subject is moving or the location does not allow a studio-like setup or that I’m carrying only one flash with me.

Hot-shoe mounted adjustable flash

What’s important to note is that your on-camera flash is not going to work here. One, its not powerful enough and two, it cannot be pointed in any direction other than straight ahead. You need to have an external, hot-shoe mounted flash gun that has manual controls.

Go cheap, go Strobist

I have four used Nikon speedlights (SB-26, 28 and 80DX). Its difficult to do TTL photography while bouncing the flash off the ceiling, so you will end up shooting in manual mode. I use these flashes on my Canon camera without any issues.

Caution

A couple of things need to be kept in mind for bounced flash photography.

The walls and ceilings should be white in color. If they are colored otherwise, they will cast their color in the photo and there will be white-balance issues. This would not be a problem if you decide to desaturate the color (read Black and White)

Its best to shoot in RAW. With varying subject-camera distance and other factors, your exposure might not always be correct. Shooting in RAW mode gives you more freedom in post processing.

Camera Setup

Set the camera to M mode. Set shutter speed 1/200 sec and aperture f/5.6. Set the flash to M mode and at 1/4 power. Adjust the camera aperture, flash power and camera ISO (in that order) to get the exposure right.

Examples

[zona5101]

Nice post.
Just a note this set up won't work for everybody

Originally Posted by abisurd

Camera Setup

Set the camera to M mode. Set shutter speed 1/200 sec and aperture f/5.6. Set the flash to M mode and at 1/4 power. Adjust the camera aperture, flash power and camera ISO (in that order) to get the exposure right.

[abisurd]

Zona, You are right to point out that the initial setup won't work for everyone. It is a starting point, based on my experience for an average sized room. From here, I suggest one change the aperture, flash power and ISO (and in this order) to get the exposure right.

Originally Posted by zona5101

Nice post.
Just a note this set up won't work for everybody

[Bankerbyday]

Thank you! Being one of the new guys on the block, I have alot to learn about lighting and this was very helpful.