When working in a camera store, it is quite often you hear people say “I don’t want to use flash” or “I don’t like the way my photos looks when I use flash.” It is understandable why people will say this. In a lot of scenarios, flash can overpower an image and create unflattering light and colours. However, there are ways to get a better result from your flash that are simple, easy, and only take a few moments to do.

Flash Exposure compensation
This is the same idea as Exposure Compensation except it only changes the output of the flash (built-in or off-camera). Most cameras will have a button that will allow you to adjust the flash exposure compensation. If your camera does not have a dedicated button, you will be able to change the setting in your camera’s menu. If you want to decrease the power of the flash, you will set the compensation to a number with a minus symbol. For a brighter flash, you will change it to a number with a plus sign.

Bounce Flash
This method will only work with off camera flashes that are able to swivel or rotate. Instead of leaving your flash facing directly at your subject, rotate the flash head to bounce off a ceiling or wall. When your flash reflects off of the surface, it creates the softer lighting effect of a large light source. If you use a ceiling, the light will be originating from above your subject which can cause shadows underneath the brow, nose, and etc. To help fix this, most flashes have a small white card built in to bounce a small amount of light forward to fill in these shadows. If this is not included with your flash, you can use a white business card and an elastic band or your hand to help reflect the light back at your subject.

Taking your off camera flash… Off your camera

When a flash is mounted on-axis or directly in line with the lens, the left and right sides of your subject will be lit equally which can make your lighting appear flat. By moving your flash off-axis to either side, you are creating a more dynamic combination of light and shadow. This combination of light and shadow is what gives a photo of a person or object more contrast or “pop”. Some cameras will let you connect your flash and camera wirelessly with no extra accessories. If this is not something your camera is able to do, a TTL off-shoe cord or a set of wireless triggers will allow you to move your flash.

Every scenario is going to produce its own challenges but with these few simple tricks, you can better prepare yourself for different lighting situations. Set up a static object like a piece of pottery or a figurine and try out these flash adjustments to see what the changes are when you change the lighting or angles. Hopefully you will take away a bit of knowledge that can apply to a broad range of scenarios, but most importantly, have fun.