  simplykristi Cancer Sucks Premium join:2001-11-28 Metro KC
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| [Help] Need Help with Flash Photography
Now that the weather is turning cooler and I can't be outside as much I like. I had to be up this AM and would have loved to taken some pics outside but it was in the 30s.. a little too cold for my liking as well as the camera's. Anyway, I need some tips on when to use the flash and when not to. I am having trouble on how to set the flash. If I use the flash and my subject is too close, then I get a total blow out. I would like for the flash not to bounce off of subjects' eye. I need some assistance please. 
Thanks, Kristi -- My Photo Gallery: »www.simplykristi.smugmug.com/ |
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  rogue_ I Have A Secret Window Premium join:2001-10-17 Lake Hiawatha, NJ
| I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a big flash photo taker.. But, somethings that might help are, with reference to the eyes, use the red-eye reduction feature in the camera settings. That often helps. If the red-eye feature is annoying (it is for me) maybe you can use the red-eye removal feature in Picasa.
You could put a white coffee filter over the flash and see what you get. Or buy one of those flash diffusers designed for P&S cameras. Lastly, I know Metz has a remote flash that works with any P&S flash camera. It's available at B&H and it's not very expensive.
For flash techniques, someone else is certainly better to answer that than I. -- Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. |
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  wwdubbia
join:2002-06-03 Clinton, NY
| reply to simplykristi If you have a point and shoot, try putting a few layers of scotch tape over your flash and trim as needed.
If you have a hot shoe flash for a DSLR, try rubber banding an index card on the top side of the flash and position it so it points at the ceiling. Should get a nice diffused/bounce flash with that setup. |
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  SueS Premium join:2007-05-16 Macon, MO
| reply to simplykristi I have a point and shoot Canon A85, and in the menu their is an option to turn the flash down or up. You might try turning your flash output down, I am sure your camera has those capabilities. You can also speed up your shutter, it should flash up to 1/200 in manual. Keep playing, and you will figure out something. |
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  fractalman93 Progressive Music Fan Premium join:2004-08-02 Newport News, VA | reply to simplykristi I recall someone in this forum mentioning using half of a white ping pong ball to diffuse the flash. That should also reduce red-eye.
Good luck! |
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  simplykristi Cancer Sucks Premium join:2001-11-28 Metro KC
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| reply to SueS It does, Sue. I just remembered reading something in the manual about the settings. (I do read the manual. ) I will experiment.
Rogue, the flash is not at the top (not a flip). I was looking at diffusers and those won't work. The Speedlite 430EX is on my wishlist. 
The other suggestions are great!
Thanks, Kristi -- My Photo Gallery: »www.simplykristi.smugmug.com/ |
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