Have you ever taken pictures with the flash option set to manual configuration? Have you taken outdoor pictures with the flash function turned on? Most people will answer no to the above questions. Most beginners, as well as intermediate photographers, consider flash as a function to adjust or provide brightness where there is a lack of lighting.
However, the flash function has many uses and a photographer may use it for better photographs and pictures. Here we will discuss some of the ways to use the flash features while avoiding the common mistakes while using Proper “use of Flash in Photography” to get better photos.
Flash Photography Isn’t New
Flash photography is not a new feature and has been around for some time. Surprisingly many people are unaware of the background working of this technology and how to use it properly. In the early days, the flash feature was a manually controlled feature that lit chemicals using electrical current to create the flash.
The old flash systems were dangerous and highly ineffective as the camera shutters and flash features were unsynchronized. Today the camera has automatic flash synchronization where the user does not need to check the flash timing when they turn the feature on as the camera automatic features work on the flash without the user intervention.
Types of Systematic Units in Flash Photography
Every flash system comes in two types of systematic units. The internal flash unit that comes built-in within the cameras and can be tackled using the menu and options of the camera. Some low-end cameras are limited the internal flash system.
Most cameras today, allow attaching an external flash unit to the camera. There is a slide-in slot in most cameras where the external flash device is connected to the camera body, while in some cameras external cameras are used for the connection. The external flash units have different features, strength, and mechanical functions.
They have controlled features and can be tilted or skewed with respect to the camera’s body. In all cameras, the external flash units are electronically attached to the camera and are in synchronization with the shutter.
In the automatic mode, the flash will function by itself in locations where there is less light and there is a need of flash. In automatic mode sometimes the flash function will work in an environment where you do not need flash but the function works automatically.
The flash is not able to judge where the picture would be better without the feature. Due to this, some pictures may be washed out, and are either too bright or have a more white element in all of the colors. Sometimes the flash function focuses on details that are not required in a picture.
For example, while taking pictures of an elderly the flash may highlight the wrinkles and skin marks that will ruin the whole picture. The flash does not highlight imperfection but at times highlight it further to make it more prominent in the pictures.
The Range of The Flash
It is important to know the range of the flash unit that comes with the camera. The flash unit will function differently depending on the location, distance, and environment in which the pictures are taken. The flash generates a light of the certain strength and you must consider the power of the flash when taking the pictures.
If you are taking pictures of object or person that is far, the flash will not function properly and the picture will appear dark or distorted. Meanwhile, if the flash is focused on objects that are too close will result in pictures that will appear washed out or too bright. You should know the range where the flash function will enhance the picture and gives the best results.
It is better to turn off the flash function completely rather than to use it in a proximity that would result in poor quality pictures. If you use flash where the feature is not required, it will result in darker photos. A better option is to use a tripod while taking pictures with long exposure.
Use The Flash When Necessary
In some cases, the flash will work by itself in an environment where the pictures will come better without the flash feature. Even during daytime, the flash function will work and make the pictures shadowy.
For example, if a person has a hat on while you take his picture, the flashlight may create a shadow and obstruct the light from the person’s face. There is a ‘fill in’ feature in cameras where the flash focus on the shadowy areas of the picture without washing out the complete picture.
Another case is where you may find strong light behind the object. For example, if you are taking pictures of a person sitting at a beach against a sunset, the flash will create a silhouette of the person, and to avoid this the flash should be adjusted to the fill-in mode. Using the fill-in mode will capture the image that is more clear and focused on the object instead of the light coming off the sunset.
All in all, flash is a great function and one of the strong features of any camera. While most people who use cameras for casual photos do not need to manually use the flash function and understand all the functions and features of flash in the manual mode, the professionals prefer to use the manual flash feature more often.
People who want to take photos with more clarity and at a professional level experiment with the flash unit in manual mode and check the different way the flash feature works to yield great results in producing high-quality pictures.
Following some simple rules, while taking pictures with manual flashing and checking some tutorials and lessons to enhance your photography skills, you will be able to use the manual flash feature easily and enhance your photos.