Using a flash can make, or break, your shot, depending on how it is used...or how well it is used. To get the best shot, you will not want to rely completely on your flash, but it's a good place to start.
- This article is assuming off camera flash.
Steps
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1Be sure that you have your flash manual. This will help you with items that you aren't familiar with. If you don't have it, try searching the Internet. You can probably find it.
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Set your flash to Front Curtain Sync mode. This flashes when your front curtain is completely open. This is usually enough to do stop motion photography.Advertisement
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Set your camera to its lowest ISO .
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Set your camera to Aperture Mode. This is different things (acronyms) on different camera. You should know what your camera calls it.
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Set your Fstop wide open. This would be (usually), 1.4, 2, 3.5, etc. It will depend on your lens. This allows the most light into your camera.
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Note the conditions of the environment. Cloudy, filtered, sunny, etc. Write down all of the relevant information, if it will help.
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Determine the distance of your subject from the camera.
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Take a shot. You aren't trying for Ansel Adams here. You want to learn what your camera and flash will do under certain situations.
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Be sure to note what the aperture setting, shutter speed, and your general thoughts about how the shot turned out. Know which of your notes/observations go with which image.
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Look at your camera's histogram and see what your camera 'has to say' about how your shot turned out.
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Set the aperture at the next widest full stop and repeat the last few steps of noting what all is involved with the shot.
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Repeat all of the previous steps at about half the distance and twice the distance.
- Do not shoot at distances that will over or underexpose the shot. If a shot is overexposed, don't shoot closer to the subject unless the camera is set to a narrower aperture (i.e. larger f/number). If it is underexposed, don't shoot further from the subject unless the camera is set to a wider aperture (i.e. smaller f/number).
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Pick your best shots and what you did to get those shots. Use those settings as a guide for that particular environment.
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Repeat all of the steps under various lighting conditions. Some that you will want to experiment with are:
- Low light
- Direct sunlight
- At night
- Sporting events
- Ceremonies
- Races
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Tips
- Every time that you go out to photograph and use your flash, you are getting the opportunity to learn how to use it when. You won't learn anything with it sitting in your camera bag.Thanks
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