Cameras

5 Reasons To Use Off Camera Flash

While adding an off camera flash may seem like a lot of work, the benefits of getting lighting off the camera are well worth the extra effort.  If you’re looking to take your photography to the next level, off camera flash may be the next logical step for you to take.  Think about these arguments for why you should be adding extra lighting in addition to your existing straight on lighting.

Creates Dynamic Images
Having a single light source coming from the same spot as your lens makes for a dull image.  Often the difference between a boring image and something incredible is all about the lighting.  It’s pretty obvious that light color sets a mood, but so does the direction and intensity of light.  Adding illumination from the side can add some serious drama to a mundane setting.

Adds Dimension To Pictures
Blasting a strobe straight on will flatten features on your subject.  While a single picture won’t be able to give our brain true 3D, light, dark, and shadow all give us a sense of depth.  With depth comes the ability for the viewer more easily immerse themselves into the scene and into the art piece itself.

Promotes Growth As An Artist
Art is about expression and beauty.  With more tools and practice, it becomes easier to express yourself and to re-create the beauty in your mind.  Lighting is one of the tools that all good artists use to paint the picture as they want others to see it.

Sets Amateurs Apart From Professionals
Anybody with a credit card can walk into a local retail establishment and walk out with a fancy camera.  It’s happening more and more these days, and professionals need to understand that we’re not the only ones with fancy equipment now.  However, adding strobes off camera is likely to remain a big difference that amateurs won’t be copying because of the extra effort it requires to carry around a flash.  I can usually tell how professional a photographer is by taking a glance at the lighting in the image.  Having some extra stuff on-site at a shoot also makes people looking on trust that you’re the expert.

It’s easy to start
Many of Canon and Nikon’s flashes allow you to set up as either master or slave.  While the built in systems are limited to line of sight for the triggering system, it’s a great place to start out because you’re not out extra cash.  Once you’ve worked with the built in triggering system for a while, then you can consider upgrading to a radio triggering system to give you more flexibility with placement and reliability of your lights.

About the Author

See our Off Camera Flash Using PocketWizard Review on our blog for photographers.

The Camera Flash Experiment

MINOLTA AUTO 28 FLASH FOR 35MM CAMERA $12.95

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On-Camera Flash: Techniques for Digital Wedding and Por $36.99

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Flashing $10 Flashing

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Camera $15.9 Camera

In Camera $6.49 In Camera

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