All articles copyright 2007 Jeff Coleman
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On camera lighting tips.
The flash that came with your camera is virtually useless. It will create red eye and it can't reach very far. When shopping for an on camera flash that attaches to your cameras hot shoe, buy the most expensive unit you can afford. I recommend buying Canon or Nikons top of the line unit. There will be situations where even these can not provide enough light. They offer advanced features like manual control with dedicated buttons for increasing or decreasing the power, a wireless mode, and stroboscopic ability.
Direct flash should be avoided whenever possible. If you're indoors with a white ceiling, bounce the flash off of the ceiling. If you have nothing to bounce off of, use a diffuser. If you're bouncing the flash and you turn the camera vertical, your flash is now bouncing off of a wall. You must remember to adjust the flash head when alternating between vertical and horizontal shots. Or do what the pros do and buy a good flash bracket. A bracket keeps the flash in the same place above the lens while the camera rotates beneath it. You will also have to buy a special cord so that your camera and flash can still communicate with each other even though they are not in direct contact. |
