VE6AB Technical
Light Rules
If you own a camera, and your not using the flash built in to the camera, or using an external flash, your missing out on an easy way of improving your photographs.
One big advantage to using flash while outdoors, is when you're photographing people, as the flash will remove shadows created by sunlight that appear beneath the nose, eyes, as well as on other facial features.
Its a rare day that I'm not using an electronic flash mounted on my DSLR while out and about. Its also normal for me to be using a light modifier of some sort with my electronic flashes while out photographing.
If I am shooting landscape photos, and part of the foreground (in the near field) is in shadow, I will use an electronic flash to preserve the detail in the shadows.
If you own a DSLR, and may be contemplating on purchasing an external flash, make sure and select an electronic flash capable of hi-speed sync.
This allows the flash to add the required amount of light with any selected shutter speed you may choose, beyond the normally required shutter speed required for flash photography.
When it comes to light modifiers, I have a number of choices that include modifiers that attach to the flash-head like the Rogue Lightbender shown mounted on the flashhead of the flash mounted on the DSLR in the insert photo. This particular light modifier may be used in various ways allowing you to shape, control and modify the light coming from the electronic flash.
This could include landscape photography as mentioned above, or outdoor portraiture photography where soft light is desirable, or being used as a light snout, that allows for directing the light from the flash head more precisely, possibly when shooting portraits, and the flash is remotely positioned behind the model and being used as a hair light
Of course I should mention that many of the photographs within this technical gallery were composed with the help of artificial light and light modifiers, as well as diffusers and reflectors.
Another favorite light modifier that I use is the 26" softbox shown with the flash-head attached to, and this combination produces very soft wonderful light.
Other light modifiers that I own and use are various diffusers and reflectors from small to large, some that reflect light, and others that allow diffused light to travel through the diffuser.
I also have others light modifier choices as well, although they are more suited for portrait photography.
A wireless flash controller mounted on the camera, allows control of up to 3 remotely located electronic flashes (on separate channels with unique settings) at the same time.
Click on the photo for a closer look.....
