Tips for flash photography in the dark

12/01/2007 02:59:55 PM · #1

Does anyone have any tips for taking flash lit photos in the dark? Is there any way to get good diffuse light in such a harsh situation with only a single flash?

Message edited by author 2007-12-01 15:00:03.

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

12/01/2007 03:11:29 PM · #2

To create softer shadows, you must make the light source much larger than the tiny flash head. Some methods of doing this:

- Bounce the light off the walls or ceiling.
- Shoot through an umbrella (creating a larger light source)
- Use something like a LightSphere (smaller, easier to carry, creates a larger light source)

I also suggest that you move the flash off camera so that you get nice side lighting instead of direct on flash (which produces flat images).

Edit: accidentally wrote "software shadows" when I meant "softer shadows". (perhaps this gives a clue as to what my daytime profession is!)

Message edited by author 2007-12-01 15:16:07.

12/01/2007 03:33:01 PM · #3

Thanks. I should have been more specific. I'll be outdoors with nothing to bounce off of, and I'll be moving around frequently. Its an outdoor winter festival.

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

12/01/2007 03:41:19 PM · #4

Originally posted by PGerst:

Thanks. I should have been more specific. I'll be outdoors with nothing to bounce off of, and I'll be moving around frequently. Its an outdoor winter festival.

Of the 3 ideas I mentioned, only the first one requires that you be indoors. Here's where you can get the Lightsphere. That's probably your best choice for portability and being on the move.

fotomann_forever

12/01/2007 04:12:14 PM · #5

I bounce off a 48 inch collapsible reflector, if I find myself in a situation where setting up an umbrellas is impractical, such as this shot outside an upscale restaurant.

[thumb]618727[/thumb]

I'm holding the flash via wireless trigger in my left hand and having an assistant hold the reflector.

fotomann_forever

12/01/2007 04:34:54 PM · #6

Just want to add that outdoors, the Lightsphere is going to be very inefficient and really not increase the size of lightsource very much at all. A Lumiquest softbox or Lumiquest Pro Max System is a much better alternative for on-camera flash.

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

12/01/2007 05:06:23 PM · #7

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Yeah, you're probably right. I was rather hesitant recommending the LS for outdoor use as it really works best with walls and ceilings to help bounce the light around. Thanks for pointing that out.

12/01/2007 06:01:48 PM · #8

Thanks to both of you. You gave me some options. I threw on a DIY diffuser over the flash and angled it outward. It worked decently enough.

Prof_Fate

12/01/2007 08:45:24 PM · #9

The LS works outdoors too. It imitates a large light bulb, no ceiling required.

Off camera flash works well - on camera plus a second flash that can be used for side lighting or backlighting.

Here are a couple taken on a city street last weekend about 6:30 at night.

12/01/2007 11:19:18 PM · #10

Thanks a lot! I'm going to definately try out some of these techniques!

jschro

Canon EOS-30D