Canon Digital Cameras and Flash Photography
Using a flash to take pictures may seem like just a point and shoot thing for most people. However, to master the technique of good photo taking with a flash require mastering some skills. This is due to the fact that flash photography works in micro seconds and our eyes cannot distinguish the differences within that short period of time. In addition, we are also not able to see the flash working as we are looking through the viewfinder of the camera. Here in this guide, we will show you how with 5 simple tips you can achieve better flash photographic techniques.
Using the Canon Digital Camera Internal flash as opposed to the External flash.
Generally when we take pictures in settings like a restaurant or party situation, the use of an internal flash is more than adequate because the subjects to be photographed is usually at a close distance. The power of the internal flash unit will be powerful enough to illuminate the scene. Although the light from an internal flash is harsh, the conveniences of not lugging around an external far outweigh its drawback. Nevertheless, if the situation calls for a more professional photographic quality, you will need to use an external flash to do the job. By using an external flash, you will be able to soften the light of the flash unit by reflecting the light off the wall.
Compatibility of Old flash Units with the New Canon EOS digital camera.
To see if you old flash unit can work with the Canon new EOS digital camera, you will need to check if the Speedlite flash units ends with the letters “EX” behind its model designation. Only this model will be able to work with the new EOS digital camera. Those models with “E” or “EZ” model designations at the end will not be compatible with the new EOS digital cameras. Flash units from third party will need to support E-TTL flash metering system in order for it to work with Canon digital cameras.
Unappealing pictures taken under harsh lighting.
Natural looking soft light comes from a large area. As such an internal flash unit cannot replicate soft light as in the real world. This is because the flash unit is located near the lens of the camera and only illuminates a small area. To get around this problem, what you can do is to bounce light off the wall onto the subject in order to soften the light. This way you can get a more natural looking picture when you illuminate it with soft light. On the other hand, you can also use a diffuser to diffuse the light so that you also achieve the same result.
Red eye effect of Flash photography
This is a very common problem with pictures taken with a camera internal flash. The cause of this is due to the fact that the blood vessels in our eyes reflect the flash light back into camera producing the “red eye” effect. The related “green eye” effect is produced in animals. The best to avoid this is to use an external flash.
How to take photos in rapid succession using the flash.
After a flash unit has fired off its light, it will require some time to charge up. Therefore if you keep taking pictures is rapid succession you have to make sure that the flash unit is the “Rapid Fire” type. This just means that the flash will work even though it has not reach it full charge. Don’t forget also that the batteries play a part in the ability of the flash unit to charge quickly too.
