Using A Flash Outdoors

Want to know one of the biggest secrets that professional photographers use to get better pictures in outdoor photography? They use a flash!

I know, it sounds simple and truthfully it is… sort of.

We discussed using a flash outdoors before in Easy Lighting Tips For Outdoor Photography but I thought we could get a little more in depth on why and how you use a flash outdoors.

Daylight creates unwanted shadows in:

Portraits

Macros

Portrait photographers use fill flash to “fill” in the shadows created under eyebrows and noses. This is best utilized especially during midday, because we can’t always wait for magic hour. There are a couple ways to do this.

You can use the on camera flash unit as a fill flash and the sun as the main light. To do this simply adjust the flash unit to 1/4 to 1/2 power in manual mode. If you’re not wanting to use full manual (which I always suggest but understand nonetheless) you can actually use the semi-auto modes to do this. What you’ll want to do is “spot meter” for the background and let the flash light your subject. This will prevent blown out images. The thing to remember is to spot meter. If you use the evaluative metering the background is very likely to come out over exposed. You’ll want to experiment with the different semi-auto modes as different camera models have different flash sync speeds so aperture may become a factor.

Macro photographers use fill flash also to eliminate shadows on the subjects they capture. It is possibly even more important to use flash in macro photography, depending on your particular subject. Fast moving subjects like butterflies and bees can be “frozen” with a flash and a faster shutter speed. Also, shadows can be found in every nook and cranny when composing an image of a flower.

There are things to consider however. If you find yourself very close to the subject, you may find that you can actually cast a shadow yourself with an on camera flash if the lens is blocking the light. Also, the flash itself may be a little more harsh than desired. These problems can be overcome by utilizing a few tools of the trade. Macro flash brackets will help keep the flash unit in an ideal working position and a flash diffuser will soften up that harsh light.

The biggest tip with using flash outdoors is to practice, practice, practice!

Photographs:

junny_MG_5525-copy by LOWONLANDS

Angry white spider (Misumena vatia) by Ben Ivory

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