How to Use Bounce Flash to Improve Your Photography

Bounced flash is essentially "defused light flash photography." When you do this method of photography right, the results are astounding. Here, you will learn what exactly it means and you will learn how to bring it effectively to your "bag of tricks" as a photographer.

Things You'll Need

• Bounce flash
• Camera

Instructions

1. As you are redirecting the light away from the subject, you will need either more flash power or a wider aperture. After you have made sure that your camera has a place for an external flash (or a socket for plugging one in), you need to obtain an external flash. You should make sure to get a flash with a 90-degree bounce head. Another thing to consider is getting one that rotates for maximum flexibility when shooting.

2. Remove the built-in flash if possible. If not, be sure to turn the built-in flash up towards the sky or ceiling. This will cut down on red-eye, as well as having a more diffused light. If you can have a cable that connects flash to camera, that is best. You can now position your flash wherever needed for bouncing. Make sure to take a sample photograph when your subject is in position when using a digital camera.

3. Set the exposure mode on your camera to Spot meter.

4. Set the camera to work in manual mode.

5. Set the ISO to 800, and the shutter speed to 1/200.

6. Make sure that the aperture of the lens is at its maximum.

7. Practice with using the bounce flash. Try indoors and outdoors. When you see all the possibilities that this opens for you in range of photographs, you will want to master it. Subjects can become more beautiful with this new method of lighting, and your photographs can take on another dimension.

Tips & Warnings

• For important shoots, be sure to practice in advance with any new technique.

• Be careful of bouncing light from things around you, such as colored walls and ceilings. This can result in a picture that is tinted the color of the wall or ceiling. That can be a cool effect, but only if you planned it that way.

• Digital cameras are ideal for experimenting as this cuts downs on cost of film and you can see the results of trial and error immediately.

• Don't forget to get either more flash power or a wider aperture since you will be directing light away from your subject.

• Don't purchase equipment until you are sure all is compatible with your camera.

• Only try shooting photographs that are important with methods you've tried before.