{To Use Flash or Not to Use Flash...} That is the Question

What is a photographer to do when it comes to using your flash?  You want to showcase your subjects, you want to make your subjects’ eyes crisp, but you don't want to make the portraits look unnatural, whether you are indoors or outdoors.  

First place to start... learn about your camera.  Take pictures when it doesn't really “count”. Try using your flash in different ways indoors and outside. Learn about adjusting your F-Stop and ISO settings to get what you want from your portraits. 

Second, take classes and attend conferences.  I took classes at Augusta State and with Scott Kelby, who offers classes online and all around the country as well as I have attended conferences and workshops.  

Third, learn about different flashes.  For example, I will use a gary fong globe to eliminate shadows because I can bounce light off items in the room. 



Sometimes I even use a diffuser cap over my flash so that when I tilt my flash it diffuses light when directed it at the subject.  The best piece of advice I can give you is this...  don’t be afraid of your flash in different situations.  Make it your friend and your portraits will benefit!  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info