In many circumstances, especially when you are shooting portraits, it is very important to get your flash out of your camera. If you are shooting with flash mounted in camera and direct it towards the subject, it will create a flat look on their faces. Furthermore, it will cast ugly shadow in the background.
Sample of direct flash result
The better solution to this is to remove your flash out of your camera and then point the flash to the left or right ceiling. Therefore, the light will be softer and it creates a three dimensional looks. The shadow is casted down so it is not annoying anymore. The set up is simple, very portable and make a lot of difference.
Off camera flash result (bounced to left ceiling)
Unfortunately, many beginner cameras do not has wireless trigger. So in other to practice this technique, you might need additional tools such as getting cable flash sync, or wireless triggers. There are many products with varying price point that can help you to do this technique.
If you have mid-range or high-end cameras, you might have it already. Some cameras that has wireless flash trigger / commander are Nikon D90, D300, D300s, D200, Canon 7D, Sony A500/A550, Olympus E-620, etc. Consult your manual to find out whether your camera has it or not.
Note: Make sure that the ceiling is white, if not then you need to compensate the color/white balance.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the article.
BTW, Is here types of Flashes? How to select matching one???
The compatible Sony flashes: HVL-F42AM, and the big boy HVL-F58AM
Older model like Sony HVL-F56AM will work as well.
btw, your A500 manual will have complete info about this.