Better Photo Tips - Flash Points_1380

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When it comes to electronic flash,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], one of the most common problems people run into is: "red eye". At one time or another,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], we've all either done it or seen it. You know what I'm talking about; that cute little toddler picture with the innocent looking grin and those demon looking red eyes that remind you of something out of a horror movie.
What causes red eye is simple enough; the light from your flash is reflecting off the back of your subject's eye. This is usually because your flash is at the same level as the subject's eye. This most often happens with any type of camera that has a built in flash.
It is human nature when taking a photo of someone's face to look them in the eye. Most built in flashes are only about 1 inch or so above the viewfinder that you look into; so if you are looking them in the eye AND they are looking you in the eye it stands to reason the flash is only about 1 inch above their eye level (even if it is further away).
With a built in flash you have several options to avoid the dreaded "red eye".
A) Avoid being at the same exact level as the subject. Shoot your photo from slightly above the subject or from slightly below the subject.
B) Avoid being in a direct line with the subject. Similar to above; but here you the photographer move slightly to the left or to the right to take your photo. Do NOT have the subject look directly into the lens. Tell them to look just past one of your shoulders,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], instead.
C) Diffuse the flash itself. Use a tissue or a thin handkerchief over the flash so that it does not over whelm the photo.
The main reason professional photographers use a separate flash for their photos; either handle mount or on the camera's hot shoe,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], is because it gives them more options when making a photo. With a bigger flash you can still do all the options listed above, PLUS:
D) Most bigger flash units have a tilt or swing function that allows you to bounce the flash off either a wall or a ceiling. (This also diffuses the light in your photo).
E) Many of the bigger flash units that can swing all the way around are often aimed into an umbrella or reflector of some type, to reflect the light and make it less harsh.
F) Most bigger flash units have a power ratio setting that lets you shoot at 1/2, 1/4th, 1/8th, 1/16th power or even less. A slight burst often will fill in what you need without being so over whelming that it reflects back.
G) Many of the separate flash units can connect through PC jacks on the camera. Why is that an advantage? The light source can be 10 feet away at a totally different angle and often fitted with an umbrella as well.
H) Some flash units can be fitted with actual filters, either to effect light density or color.
When it comes to bouncing light, reflecting light, or using power ratios the key is always practice before you get into the situation that you have to use it. Bouncing the light off a 9 foot ceiling is totally different than bouncing it off a 15 foot ceiling. This is where having a separate flash meter comes in very handy.
Do yourself a favor and find out what works best for you. Keep it simple. Don't try to bounce your light,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], use a flash filter, AND shoot at 1/2 power. Electronic flash is a powerful ally and does not have to over power the shot. Think of it as a tool; and like any tool it depends on how you use it that determines if it is helpful or not in taking better photos.
The manageress and a guy behind a till were the only people in the shop and I made my way to the walk-in beer fridge at the back. Over the months they had got to know me well and no doubt had their own thoughts about me. But I was probably one of their best customers so they always treated me politely. They could not have failed to notice the huge amounts of booze that I was buying.As I made my way to the beer fridge the shop assistant appeared out of nowhere and greeted me. "Sawubona,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych]," he said. He seemed to stare right into my very soul. I wondered what was he thinking. He sometimes helped me to the car and today would be no different. No doubt I was a shock to him as well. Maybe I was too paranoid. Sure I was gaunt, filthy and sickly-looking but then maybe there were plenty of people like me coming in and out of the bottle store every day. Maybe all that intrigued them was where the money was coming from. That must be a mystery as I looked like a typical down and out. Bugger it. Let them ponder.
The cold beer fridge revived me a little and I always stayed a couple of minutes longer than necessary. I found my beer and asked the assistant to help me carry the case to the till. There I fumbled for the money and handed it over to the guy. He remained silent and passed me the change which I gave to the assistant. He mumbled a quiet "Siyabonga," and carried the case to the car.I felt that I had no choice any more. The liquor consumed all my mental and physical energy. The people who came and went in my life saw me as a babbling wreck. I comforted myself with the thought that they should see me when I was deprived of my beers.I stopped at the fridge long enough to sink a cold one and then walked into the office. My entrance went unnoticed and only Mary looked up and asked how I was feeling. Plonking myself down, I couldn't fail to notice that it had turned into a lovely day.