Dancers perform alongside Tartanic during the Texas Renaissance Festival.
An email appeared in my inbox this AM that prompted some thought. Alec R. from Massachusetts but currently living Vladivostok, Russia (can I come visit, Alec?) asked a question that all photographers ask from time to time: “When do you use a flash and when do you not?”
Flash use seems to vary greatly from photographer to photographer. A few weeks ago I had a chance to work alongside a photographer who had been in the business for 20+ years, including time spent overseas covering conflict. In the two days we worked together he never took the flash off one of his camera bodies.
I’ve talked to renown nature photographers who don’t own a flash.
It boils down to what you shoot and how you shoot.
Many photographers prefer to use a flash quite often. This allows them to properly illuminate subjects, an absolute must for newspaper images. Other photographers prefer to use available light and relish the gritty look low light gives images.
I fall into the latter category. I’m the one who stomps down the ISO and uses hose as a makeshift filter for gritty images at a rodeo.
I do, however, also own a flash. For commercial use – especially architectural work – it is indispensable.
And forget about bringing a flash on a military embed. It doesn’t work.
So, Alec, in order to answer your question, ask yourself a few questions about your style of photography. Do you trend towards bright, illuminated work or gritty, somewhat “harder” photography?
We all have our own unique styles. We all see things differently.
And that’s the true joy of photography.
Tags: Techniques
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Great insight into the flash controversy… let’s have some more how-to.
AK, not sure how much of a controversy it is. We all choose to shoot in our own style.
More how-to posts to come… hang tight!