Rongnongno Loc: FL

A recent thread over flash on or off camera is raging.

My non original take is: If you claim never to use a flash you basically expose your lack of skills using a flash.

As to the pop-up flash on camera? If you use a popup flash the flash is too close to the lens axis and is either too bright (because you are too close), projects ugly shadows and flattens a scene. The flash also has very little usable range. That info should keep you away from the pop-up flash.

Flashes on camera as add-on have the same problems. Too close to the axis too if used as direct source. If used bounced or with a soft adapter (think Wong stuff) this can work BUT the flash loses most of its reach. It does not mean you cannot use them, far from it, it is just that they are not as good as advertised. Flashes used on the side using a 'bracket' suffer from the same problems. Also ALL can project ugly shadows, if used improperly.

Off camera flashes means that you are in static scenario that you fully control which is rare when you think about it unless you work in a studio, use an outdoor portable studio or are into macro (only time I can think of where a ring flash really works).

So, what is the solution? Learn your craft. Learn when to use flashes, reflectors and how to use them properly. Just remember that a single flash source flattens a scene and will never replace natural light.

d3200prime

Well said and I totally agree. Learn how light works and photography will become much more interesting and enjoyable.

ejones0310 Loc: Tulsa, OK

Agreed. I know I need work on my flash skills. When I do use one, it's usually on a strobo frame to get it as far off camera as possible and then use a diffuser or bounce off the ceiling.

I want to get a couple of stands and learn how to control the power from the flash units, but it's another one of my wants that I keep pushing off.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

I agree indeed.

But a typical response unspoken... Gallery SOOC never crop People... to Rongnongno they would say, "Why do you have to complicate my taking pictures of my aunt sally and the head of my dog as he smiles pooping?? Most do not want to complicate life.

Me? yes I use the on-board of my pocket super-zoom Sony HX50, but it short comings are used to my advantage taking flower photos in the sunlight and under exposing the background. Intensity controlled by distance and perhaps a little tissue over the flash to soften it. But fully agree that even a low cost slave is needed in many/most cases when one wants to use a flash. Knowing how is easily calculated by using math and knowing of the inverse square law. Math too complicated or bothersome for J.Q. Public.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I use a SB 900 flash and turn the head up and point it behind me for interior candid shots. What you want is a image that looks like you did NOT use a flash, with this system I achieve it. And yes, the flash is mounted on the camera. Works very well.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Well, Rongno, what you are saying can be true about any function of the camera one chooses to not use. I don't shoot RAW so that exposes my lack of skills with RAW. I don't shoot Panorama, so that exposes my lack of skills with Panorama. I don't use the Wi-Fi functions so that exposes my lack of skills with Wi-Fi. Etc. I submit a lack of skill can often be a conscious desire/choice not to use that function on my cameras. And if you choose, for whatever reason, not to use a function, how can that be a lack of skill??!!

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Read the part about bouncing the flash or using an adapter (wong type)

Rongnongno Loc: FL

You are deliberately distorting what I typed.

Enjoy.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

An inboard or on camera unit can help with supplying "Fill Flash" when the subject is backlit.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

The only time I will use a pop up flash is to trigger external flashes that are not radio controlled like the NCLS, but sometimes I put the pop up flash in non burst control.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

In order to get this shot a built in flash was absolutely required. The camera was not fully available, in the bag. The flash was also put away with the batteries out of it as it should be. The cat was only like this for a minute or so and I got one shot before she decided it was time to move on. This was not posed in anyway. So those who hate on board flash you will lose fun shots because you are so worried about it being flat, need to set up the lights etc. Well the jokes on you as you will likely never get a decent candid shot ever with that attitude.

(Download)

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Use what you have or can afford. Some do better than others - on or off camera. Pretty much goes for anything. Not sure I see the point except to continue the "raging" debate. lol

Rongnongno Loc: FL

You might want to consider the difference between a snapshot and photography.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

There are many far more famous "Snap Shots" than what you consider photography.
And I am considering it very much as I said you worry so much about setting the stupid thing up you lose the moment and have nothing. But I guess having nothing to you is far superior than getting the shot. You remind me of the General's Lincoln had who prepared for battle and lost the opportunity to win because all was not perfect where the great generals of Lincoln seized the moment and made history as being great.

Cheese

So, what is the difference ... other than pretentiousness?