Flash Photography

flash photography used when there's not enough light to take a normal handheld well-exposed photo
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*built-in flash (digital cams)
*pop-up flash, hot shoe bracket (DSLR)

Types of Flash Photography

- mount flash unit/portable flashgun>provides electrical contact which allows flash to easily sync w/ shutter button
- hammerhead flash>mounted on side of cam or held; more powerful flash, flexibility with lightning
- ringflash>used for macro&fashion photography; eliminates shadows on subject

Flash Photography Techniques

FILL FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
- fills in areas that'd normally appear too dark
- can cast light into room where there arent any windows
- back-lit (lot of light in background, little to no light cast in front of subject) or side-lit situations
- 4-10ft range

RED EYE REDUCTION
- red eye created when flash before pic is taken causing subjects' pupils to contract

BOUNCE FLASH
- bounce flash off of surface to illuminate subject instead of direct illumination you get from most flashes
-bounce off of ceiling or nearby wall

STUDIO FLASH
- use special mains-powered flash units, using +2 lights to achieve particular lighting effect
-studio flash heads used in conjuction w/ range of reflectors, diffusers, and other accessories

Settings/Scenarios

NIGHT
- pay attention to what's behind subject before snapping; ensure there aren't any reflective surfaces that could bounce light from flash black to cam

NATURE
- create natural-looking light ratio using flash meter to determine 

INDOOR
- when using electronic flash indoors, move subject away from walls to prevent harsh shadows

MOTION
- achieve flash blur by setting cam on slow shutter speed and allow flash to freeze action in frame