To Flash or Not To Flash. That Is The Question.
Amy left a comment under “Don’t Jump on the Couch” Post:
A friend of mine told me about you…I’m a “momtog” too! I just bought the Canon 5D Mark II…were these pics shot in natural light? How do you get his face so well lit?! Did you use an external flash? Just curious. I love all your work!
Thanks, Amy! All the pictures you see on Mom*tog are all taken with natural light (with the exception of a few that may have been taken with my point and shoot, but that should be pretty obvious). With a camera like the 5D and 5D Mark II you can shoot at high ISO’s without getting too much noise. Also, I’m constantly looking for good light. With experience you really can start to see the light and know how to utilize it. The only time I use flash is at wedding receptions or maybe occasionally for a little fill flash at the beach if I’m trying to get a good sunset shot.
I get quite a few emails about flash so here are my thoughts:
As a professional photography – While I LOVE natural light, I’m not a flash snob. Some photographers won’t use flash at all. They refuse to. And some can make it look incredibly beautiful and artistic. And some can’t. I guess being a bride I know that I would rather have had pictures from my own wedding that were in focus, not overly noisy, and properly lit whether flash was used or not. So, I keep that in mind when shooting other peoples weddings. I don’t not shoot with flash for the sake of not shooting with a flash, just because it’s the cool thing to do. If I need to use flash during the ceremony or for the getting ready pictures, I will. But, only if I have to. I think knowing how to get around it and really utilize the light that you are given comes with experience. I’ve also learned how to bounce my flash (aim it at the ceiling or another wall) and how to use off camera lighting to make flash not look so harsh. I’m still not a flash expert, but I’ve gotten to the point where I can make any type of lighting situation work. But, for the most part I only use flash at the reception.
As a Mom*tog – My theory as a mom who loves to take pictures is similar. When I’m messing around taking portrait type pictures of B I will use natural light. Because I love it and because if I mess up who cares. The pictures are just for fun. But, if I’m taking pictures on Christmas morning or at Disneyland I’m not afraid to use flash. Why miss those special moments? When you look back at your childhood pictures do you look at the quality of the pictures? Probably not. I know that I love them because of the memories they bring back. I don’t care about the red eye or that it may be slightly underexposed. While I have a whole slew of pictures of Brayden that I take with my big, fancy camera that I post here, I also have a whole bunch of pictures that I love equally as much that I don’t post on here. Yeah, they may not be the best quality and they may not be as pretty, but I love them just as much. And if it took using flash to get that then who cares? Flash away!
But, for those of you who are using flash all of the time, try to turn it off and really look for the light. Experiment and see what you like better.
When looking for “the light” closely examine your subjects face. Does it have shadows? Is it evenly lit? Experiement in different lighting situations and see what works best! Happy shooting!
About DrewB
I’ve started this blog as a way to connect with other moms who love photography. Whether you are a professional photographer who is looking for advice on how to manage your own business and your family or if you are a mom who is looking for tips on how to take better pictures of your kids, I hope that you can find some good information and be inspired!
FABULOUS post! Thanks Drew!
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Thank you for responding to my comment!! That does help! I’m enjoying my 5D and the fact that I can use higher ISO’s with less noise. Thanks for your time!
I haven’t ever used off camera flash and embarassingly part of the reason is I have no idea how to set it up. I would love to see some wide shots of your set-ups. Off camera flash, natural light, studio etc. Thanks!
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Oh I am loving this post! I’m learning to rock my OCF just so I don’t miss the late-at-night moments (I’m a full-time, working out of the house mom so I often miss the ‘good’ light)! Love to bounce it and learned a little something-set a slower shutter speed when using the flash to allow some of the ambient light to get in so it doesn’t look so flashy. The flash freezes the action so the slower ss won’t be a problem!
(been using ISO 400, f/4, 1/40 or 1/60) Thanks for this post!!
Thanks so much for your post! Although I am not a momtog (I sure do hope to be), I can learn so much. I was going to e-mail you this question, but I will write it here- How do you get your subject’s faces to be the perfect skin tone? I like to shoot in the evening and many times my subjects faces looks slightly orange from the sun.
Thank you!
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What great advise. I’m not a professional my any means, but I love taking pictures. I have a flash for my xTi, but I don’t really use it very often. I use my camera and the ISO settings and really just try to get good pictures without the flash. I know that I should at times use my flash…but if my pictures are to my liking then WHY? I love reading all of your advise and thoughts on things. Thanks!
You always give great advice Drew! I just bought a 50D! I’m so excited to use all of your helpful hints!
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Thanks for your perspective on flash! I agree with you about natural light, but I think I am still just learning how to use it right! I do wonder though, your pictures are always so crisp and vibrant…do you edit? Sorry if someone asked this already, but many times I get a great shot, but the coloring is under or over exposed and all I need is to do a little fixing…thanks for your time!
I love that! I do the same…I actually use my D40x and set it on auto to catch the moments like…going to a fair, opening presents or whatever. Catching the moment is SO much more important to me then getting a “portfolio” shot picture.
That being said, when I am shooting on auto I usually try to work on my framing the shot, or looking at the colors (where people are standing, what does the background look like) I think its a great time to focus on that stuff since I am less worried about exposure elements
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THANK YOU for giving SUCH good information! You have NO idea how helpful you are!
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I’d just like to say that I think you’re very generous to give out such great tips through your blog. I’m so glad you keep it up- and I know it must be so much work! Thank you from me and everyone else out there that appreciates it!
Thank you, Leslie
I totally appreciate your comment and it made my day! Yes, it’s a lot of work, but I love it and I get to connect with all sorts of great people, like you!
Just in my personal life I need to get better with flash. I always use natural light but there are those nightime situation when I wish I had a better understanding of flash…but I just bring out the point and shoot!
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