On-Camera Flash

[Loose Canon]

I just assumed you'd processed it with Portrait Professional

I did! That's why she's missing her right shoulder!

[Colin Southern]

I did! That's why she's missing her right shoulder!

Ha - don't laugh - I've seen things like that slip through photos posted here -- folks so engrossed in massaging the pixels they've completely missed a mal-transplanted limb!

[drjuice]

Way cool, Loose Canon! Thank you, I'd never thought about some of those ideas before. On an upcoming trip, I expect that I'll have lots of time for camera work at night purely because of our route of travel. Thank you for having the patience to try out all those ideas.

virginia

[Harpo]

Thanks, Mike. Perhaps this is the blog that you mentioned.

Yep, thats it. I was responding on my phone, so I couldn't attach as easily like I can on the computer! There are some varieties out there that people sell. This foam thing is so cheap, its a shame someone will spend $20 to buy one when it actually will cost you maybe a couple bucks. My foam square is a leftover foam mouse pad I had laying around! Just trimmed it to fit better. Cost me nothing!

Terry, you have some good examples of what bounced lighting does. Its good to see it done like you did just for the visual effect.

[RustBeltRaw]

Great little demo, Terry. I frequently find myself using on-camera flash for run-and-gun event coverage, so little tricks like this can be lifesavers. Unless you find yourself in, say, the North American International Auto Show with a bunch of derby girls, thirty seconds to get the shot, one flash, and no walls within thirty feet. Unpredictable surroundings are part of why I prefer using a bulb diffuser. The light quality isn't nearly as nice as a wall bounce, but it's consistent.

I like the idea of flagging the front of the flash, but without a convenient wall, you'd be in trouble. I wonder if it's possible to achieve similar effects by using an unflagged flash turned down a few EV? Regardless, I tend to agree that on-camera flash gets something of a bad rap. Yes, it frequently sucks, but you can take it pretty far. For instance: 580EX II shoe-mounted flash with full CTO gel, pointed up at an acoustic tile ceiling about 6ft (1.9m) above. Slightly different character from Ms. Wanda.