Comments on: Fill Flash: Learn It – Live It – Love It

By: Christina Lee

Christina Lee — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:41:03 +0000

I agree with the fill flash. I bought a Canon 30D in May of 2007 and went ahead and bought the external flash as well because I knew how to mildly use it in certain situations—outdoors was not one of them.

I finally found the time and the urge to take some continuing education courses at the University of Texas at Arlington this summer and learning how to control my flash has done WONDERS for my photography. My results were dramatically different in the last three photoshoots I have done. It is actually quite easy to learn how to control your flash and increase and decrease the amount of light that is coming out of it during the shot.

One suggestion my teacher had was to control the flash from your camera, not from the flash–because if you shoot on Manual anyway–you’ll be familiar with the controls themselves and it will be easier. It’s very similar to adjusting your exposure when working with a Canon camera at least.

By: Jenn White

Jenn White — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:26:07 +0000

your camera should allow for flash compensation – you will want to get out your manuals and find out how to adjust it. Your external flash may allow you to make the adjustment right on the flash, or you may have to go into your camera’s menus to find it. Another quick and easy trick is simply to ‘bounce’ your flash off the wall or ceiling, thereby diffusing it and taking it down a notch. If you are outdoors, you can attenuate the flash a number of ways – cover it with a piece of paper, point it up with a bounce card behind it, I’ve even seen diffusers made from milk jugs! Google DIY flash diffuser, or go to photojojo.com and search diffusers and you’ll get lots of good ideas! HTH
Jenn White´s last blog ..Blog Action Day – October 15, 2009

By: Bonnie Thompson

Bonnie Thompson — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:17:34 +0000

I have used a flash for fill for years. I now have an external flash that I use over the on camera flash. The on camera flash is great if you photo horizontal but as soon as you turn the camera for a vertical the flash is to the side and most of the time doesn’t “fill” the subject evenly as the “light” is all to one side. I have problems though with the external flash in adjusting it so that it doesn’t cause over exposure. Any suggestions? The flash itself has settings — I am really struggling with this alot.

By: Jenn White

Jenn White — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:39:25 +0000

Such a simple technique but so useful! The only caveat I give my students is to remember you have to be within your flash’s range to get any use from it. Most on-board (pop up or on camera) flashes are good for 6-12 or 15 feet. Beyond that, it’s useless. So Fill Flash won’t help you if you are taking photos of the pitcher on the mound… unless you’re in the infield with him!

Thanks for the great reminder as we all head out for those outdoor fall photos!
Jenn White´s last blog ..Quick Tip Tuesday – Blue Skies – making a nice day better!

By: Micki

Micki — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:05:48 +0000

OMG, you’re timing on that is perfect. I just took my daughter’s family pictures and played with and without fillflash. Even with fillflash mine still didn’t turn out all that good, lol. I just bought a new lens and am still trying to get used to it.
Thanks for all the great articles & tutorials.

By: Beth Davisson

Beth Davisson — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:23:55 +0000

Great information. I just bought a new Nikon D40 and can’t wait to try it out on my subjects aka family! Great pics!

By: MS

MS — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:59:23 +0000

Wow – what great information. I love checking to see what you will write about next. Thanks for the info.!!

By: wayoutnumbered

wayoutnumbered — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:31:33 +0000

If you have a dslr there should be a little button near the top of your camera that you can press to manually pop up your flash. Look around for that or if all else fails…check your owner’s manual! Good Luck!

By: Rainee Davis

Rainee Davis — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:15:31 +0000

Very helpfull information, I am totally overwhelmed with my camera and all the different solutions for this that another, but this article is simple enough for even ME to figure out……I think…….now HOW do I get my flash to pop-up??????

By: Jo

Jo — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:14:17 +0000

I use my flash outdoors alot!! Thanks for the great post and the great final photos!!
Jo´s last blog ..Scopin’ Photo Locations with the Diva!