> Using a flash properly can and does lead to a better photograph, but it takes a lot of practice.
I recognize that my P&S camera isn't fast enough to take pictures in low light without the flash, but are there other situations where I should be using a flash?
Generally, using a flash makes my pictures look "cheap" (better than blurry, I suppose). Even when there is strong backlighting and I need to use the flash to balance it out, it still looks wrong.
Much to my wife's consternation, I usually tend to push the no-flash as much as possible (I've missed quick-moving children and other shots because of this). I suppose if I used the flash I would have actually captured the moment, but I don't think I've really seen a picture I've taken with the flash that I've found to be remarkable looking.
One quick tip if you're using the flash on a P&S is to use something to diffuse the flash. Simply hold a piece of white paper or thin plastic or something similar in front of the flash and you'll almost always get better results.
In a "normal" room (i.e., a room of normal ceiling height), using the ceiling is a solid bet. If your camera has TTL flash metering (and which self-respecting DSLR doesn't?) that'll help you take "perfect" pictures, every time.
(Note: "perfect" means people will ask you how you did it, and be suitably impressed at your photography skizzles)
Firing flash along the axis of the lens is a poor idea almost always. Also, your pop-up flash has an effective range of ~10 feet (depending on camera), so popping it beyond that range (which I see many people do) is basically pointless. In fact, if there are objects near, what the camera will do is expose for those objects, leaving your main subjects, who are too far away, in shadow.
This is why you'll see those crazy pictures where everyone is real dark and has glowing eyes.
But all in all, the solution is to get a faster lens - there are many point and shoots that have premium, fast lenses. Going for those will allow you to skip the flash for a lot more occasions, making better pictures overall.
Comments
> Using a flash properly can and does lead to a better photograph, but it takes a lot of practice.
I recognize that my P&S camera isn't fast enough to take pictures in low light without the flash, but are there other situations where I should be using a flash?
Generally, using a flash makes my pictures look "cheap" (better than blurry, I suppose). Even when there is strong backlighting and I need to use the flash to balance it out, it still looks wrong.
Much to my wife's consternation, I usually tend to push the no-flash as much as possible (I've missed quick-moving children and other shots because of this). I suppose if I used the flash I would have actually captured the moment, but I don't think I've really seen a picture I've taken with the flash that I've found to be remarkable looking.
Check http://strobist.blogspot.com/ for some examples of why you want to (properly) use a flash in many, many situations.
Directing flash directly at the subject produces usually unpleasant results. Try reflecting it via some surface (white roof/wall works well)
I use a P&S, so my options for flash direction are pretty limited :)
Good tip though if I ever find myself in the possession of a more sophisticated camera.
One quick tip if you're using the flash on a P&S is to use something to diffuse the flash. Simply hold a piece of white paper or thin plastic or something similar in front of the flash and you'll almost always get better results.
Ah, awesome idea. I'll try taping a piece of thin paper over the flash and try it out sometime soon.
Works well. Experiment with different weights of paper. Wrapping tissue or thin toilet paper work well.
And if you're in a really creative mood you can play around with coloured paper.
In a "normal" room (i.e., a room of normal ceiling height), using the ceiling is a solid bet. If your camera has TTL flash metering (and which self-respecting DSLR doesn't?) that'll help you take "perfect" pictures, every time.
(Note: "perfect" means people will ask you how you did it, and be suitably impressed at your photography skizzles)
Firing flash along the axis of the lens is a poor idea almost always. Also, your pop-up flash has an effective range of ~10 feet (depending on camera), so popping it beyond that range (which I see many people do) is basically pointless. In fact, if there are objects near, what the camera will do is expose for those objects, leaving your main subjects, who are too far away, in shadow.
This is why you'll see those crazy pictures where everyone is real dark and has glowing eyes.
But all in all, the solution is to get a faster lens - there are many point and shoots that have premium, fast lenses. Going for those will allow you to skip the flash for a lot more occasions, making better pictures overall.