I changed up my lighting last night with on camera flash. I almost never use on camera flash. I was lazy last night, waited too long to set up lights, and was forced into either using someone to hold a light or on camera flash. With on camera flash and moving around, iTTL is almost a necessity if you are not going to fuss with the controls every time you shoot. Another thing I don't like is iTTl. Not that it is not good in some situations, but for my work with fixed distances normally, and limited lighting, iTTl lights up the place like a bathroom. But I had a flash on camera last night. Now I could have used a cord, or SU800 and moved the flash a bit, but I didn't. I used the flash with a diffuser, rotated the head a lot, and set the EV to -1.7 to -2.0. You lose the side lighting which I personally prefer, but making it work is part of the task.
With on camera flash I shoot differently, from different perspectives to take advantage of the light as best I can. For example, straight on like this, works in black and white.
Boucing the light can add options on a similar pose
My trusty mirror still works with a bit of lens flare, although not as well as side light.
The EV can control the light drop off and help with images like this.
But some of my favorite perspectives work well with close in light as with on camera.
On camera flash limits the drama you can create with light, but it can work as these images illustrate. I don't like holding a flash unless I'm just taking a portrait but if I'm trying to get something creative, I like to be totally focused on the image, with the light as a known.
On camera flash is something to use, doesn't give the most pleasing pictures because of the way the light strikes the subject. You can mitigate by moving the head, bouncing but only on the margins. You can take it off the camera and hold it, using it as a remote, works better but more complex in figuring out the camera perspective if creative is required. If you are moving around and the subjects are moving around, your best bet is one of the wedding rigs that move the flash a bit off camera and allow you to maneuver easily. For the best, check out Really Right Stuff. Another alternative is to set up the light on a pole or light stand, more complex for some but works if distance is fixed or you have an assistant. Finally, don't forget the EV control.
Just for reference, my normal shooting for this situation is to hang a light from the ceiling, put the flash on 1/4 power, manual. I then control the lighting with my f stop in camera as I walk around. Making the f stop adjustment for me is second nature because I have done so much. But it takes a bit of getting acquainted with but works well.
All images taken with the Nikon D800, 24-70mm/2.8 lens and the SB900 camera mounted.
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Posted by: Nigel | November 13, 2013 at 03:35 AM