Although flashes are just one type of photography light, they are also one of the most common. Nearly all cameras these days have a built-in flash and most professional photographers use a flash regularly for their work. Just like cameras, flashes vary significantly in their construction, functionality and accessories. Here's a breakdown on how to get the most out of your flash.
The Studio Flash
These are the flashes you commonly see on fashion shoots. They're more powerful than traditional in-camera lights, held in place by light stands, and need an external power supply. Studio flashes are some of the most versatile in terms of photography lights; you can move them around an area and adjust their output and duration for total control of the final image.
First of all, make sure that your flash is firing into a light umbrella or some other type of diffusing contraption. A direct flash will usually overpower your subject so it's better to use a couple of reflectors and umbrellas to bounce light off your subject. With studio flashes they usually have a "modeling" light that will let you see the result from your setup so you should be able to map out your light pretty well.
Also, keep your subject away from the backdrop to prevent sharp shadows from showing up in the image. You've probably seen this effect in photographs that were shot with a digital camera - because the flash is dead center it casts a person-shaped shadow on the wall. Lastly, you should use more than one light source. The more photography lights that you have, the more flexible your light becomes.
The Camera Flash
Many cameras are built right into the camera and work on an automated basis. While this is certainly excellent in terms of convenience and cost, automatic flash is often responsible for terrible photographs. However, there will be times when the lighting is poor, and you simply can't use studio lights (for example at weddings).
Just like using a studio flash, you'll want to bounce your flash if at all possible so that it's less harsh. Though this may sound weird, think of the many things around you that can work as impromptu light reflectors - tablecloths, walls, ceilings, and menus will all work nicely. Additionally, never rely on flash as the only light source. The best time to use a flash is to use it to fill in the dark spots and augment the current light that you have. And don't forget that your flash has an effective range so if your subject is too far away your photo will be underexposed.
Flash photography is a complex subject and requires many years of practice to completely master. If you're looking to take your photography to the next level, you should consider adding some photography lights to your "photo toolbox." With the right setup and knowledge, every photograph can be a masterpiece.
By: Autumn Lockwood
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4325339