Monday, September 27, 2010

Using Your Built-In Flash

Most cameras have a flash built into the camera body (some of them "pop up") and have much lower power than off-camera add on flashes used with SLR style cameras. However, that doesn't mean the flash is not useful.

-Diffuse It
To create a softer light that does not create harsh shadows you can make your own diffuser. To diffuse a built in flash, simply tape a piece of velum paper or thin cotton over the flash. While this will reduce the distance the flash will travel, it will create a more pleasing soft light than a naked flash. You can also experiment with different color plastic wrap to create special effects lighting.

-Use a Slave Flash
There are numerous models of off-camera add on flashes that do not have to be mounted on a camera to work. These flashes can be placed on a stand at another point in the room (within the range of your on-camera flash) and will activate when your on-camera flash fires. This is a great way to have instant studio lighting without spending thousands of dollars. Just be sure to check with the flash manufacturer about how strong the flash needs to be to activate the slave flash.

-Use Red-Eye Reduction
If your camera has red-eye reduction, a small strobe that fires right before the main flash, use it. Because you can not increase the distance between the lens and the flash, the strobe is necessary to cause the eyes to contract and lessen the chances of red-eye.

Source : http://photography.about.com

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