To flash or not to flash (photography)

I have to admit I’ve never used the flash up until a few days ago. I just don’t like this burst of light that changes the reality of the scene. Besides, for the type of photography I do there’s no real benefit for employing the limited range of a flash unit. I know there are situations when it’s a good idea to use flash, but I guess I don’t put myself in these situations.
Until we went to Blue Heights Drive over Sunset Plaza where we found an amazing view overlooking Los Angeles. The view was incredible but the place where we stood was too dark. Too dark to be able to set my camera in manual mode.
I almost decided not to shoot. Just enjoy the view and go home.
Eventually, after some encouragement, I took a few pictures. Some without and some with flash. I like both. The results were very different obviously, but I like both.

I haven’t changed my mind (yet) about using flash; I still think it’s quite ineffective and unnatural, but I hear there are some neat tricks using flash, so if you know of any and would like to share here, I’ll be glad to learn.

No flash :

Yes flash:

4 Responses to “To flash or not to flash (photography)”

1. Ilan says:

   May 6, 2009 at 11:18 pm

   I don’t know why, but I’m afraid of flash. It seems like it turns photography into a whole other business this flash thingie

   Wanted to thank you for your email, realized I haven’t done it till now. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions
2. Debi says:

   May 7, 2009 at 2:35 am

   Flash or no flash, I would really prefer to use no flash but here is the problem. I work for a magazine that covers a lot of social functions most held inside at night in very low light sitituations so the flash has to be used. Then I find myself having to spend a lot of time after using ps to correct the problems. My camera is a Konica Minolta mid level point and shoot with a built in flash that is more blinding than the flash you see on other cameras. It has a manual that is like reading greek I have tried to set different functions by following the manual only to have it not work. Anyways I do have a request for suggestions. Most of these functions are of people that donate a lot of money to the area. They like to be seen in the best possible light that they can be. They like their shots posed with a lot of smiles and their best side forward. My boss suggested that he would like shots more natural that were not posed. I tried to shoot first then get the names, resulting in a few ruffled feathers. They rather know when you are getting ready to make the shot. Anyways even before my boss made the suggestion I had noticed that my shots were taking on a look of the same just different places. Do you have any suggestions on what one can do to make the shots look not so posed but being posed at the same time.
3. Paul Oberle says:

   May 7, 2009 at 7:22 pm

   I know how you feel about flash. I feel that way as well at heart but really, it is like doing math or asking a girl to dance (grin).. you just have to do it… then it is like riding a bike.

   With an open mind.. dive right in at http://www.strobist.com
4. Kym says:

   May 8, 2009 at 4:36 pm

   I prefer not to use the flash, but have used it when the need arises in portrait work. I really do not know of any neat tricks with flash, but would love to learn them too!

   Debi-the best advise that I could give you on taking images that are posed without the “posed” look are to just snap away until the individuals you are taking a picture of feel at ease. I have noticed in the line of doing portrait work and candid work of parties and such, usually the first few times of taking images, people are so insecure in front of the camera that they look like stiff mannequins. Make jokes while shooting to ease the subjects….see if that helps! Good luck!