Assignment #37: Fill Flash

[Nikolai]

Still water can be fun, but it is what it is - still water. It does not require model release, it doesn't go anywhere - easy target!
Let's something more technical - let's use a fill flash.

As you know, fill flash is used to add some light to a front subject which otherwise would be too dark. Typical scenarios: contr-a-jour (shooting against the light); shooting in the twilight; shooting the nightscape with people in front of it. There are others, of course.

As a rule, when using fill flash you expose for the background and then add some flash to expose the foreground subjects. Full manual mode on both camera and flash unit is highly recommended.

Each entry should contain TWO images of the identical subject, taken within the same ambient lighting conditions. One without the flash (control shot), one with the flash (target shot).
EDIT: For the education purposes please provide pertinent exposure settings: ISO, aperture, shutter speed, flash unit model used, flash power level, distance to object (ballpark at least)
Multiple entries are fine, as always, but one pair per entry, please. :deal
Also, try to make your multiple entries really different, otherwise there is no challenge.

The point is to do it right. As you will see, it's very easy to overdo or underdo it. Prepare to spend some time experimenting. Once you learn how to do it it will become rather simple habit.

As usual: fresh pictures, moderate post-processing.
For the rest of the basic rules and index please check out this sticky (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=41800).

Let's flash some fill! :-) :wink

[Stan]

Busy, busy, busy. The still water was a great success with more participants than any previous assignments and you found time to reply to each entry. And you are shooting for SF1. Good luck with that.
Fill flash should be fun too.

Stan

[Nikolai]

Busy, busy, busy. The still water was a great success with more participants than any previous assignments and you found time to reply to each entry. And you are shooting for SF1. Good luck with that.
Fill flash should be fun too.

Stan

Well, sometimes guys bend over backwards to get the shot (e.g. in Straight Up:-), acknowledging their entries and efforst is the least I can do.
And yes, I may need that luck in SF1, :wink all my rivals are so frigging good :hide

Thanks! :thumb

[pyroPrints.com]

if you're shooting a nightscape with some people, I recomend trying slow sync flash

here is some info on it I recently found: http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/slow-sync-flash/

I'm itching to mess around with some of those techniques. Now if only i had that FL-50 =/, but i guess the popup flash will have to do.

[Antonio Correia]

I think Nikolai wants something like what I have done and posted in this thread (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=50337&highlight=fill+flash).

Here in Digital Grin, fill flash has been object of quite a few threads I had the privilege to participate, learning a lot from them.

This is one superb link (http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/) to valuable information about this matter.

I hope to be able to post some shots. :thumb

[Stan]

Hi Nik,

I went out tonight to see what I could find, and shot some trees.

http://stan.smugmug.com/photos/156262762-M.jpg

I shot the second with the flash to the right of the tree. I don't like the orange sky, but that is light polution
http://stan.smugmug.com/photos/156261961-M.jpg

Stan

[Nikolai]

Hi Nik,
I went out tonight to see what I could find, and shot some trees.
I shot the second with the flash to the right of the tree. I don't like the orange sky, but that is light polution
Stan
Well, that works! Nice entry!:thumb

Question: did you control the flash remotely?

Also: I modified the requirements a bit, can you please provide some exposure settings (please see the lead post)? Thanks!

[Stan]

Thanks Nik, no, nothing so technical. I used my old Oly T32, lay on the ground and fired it up into the tree :D.

Stan

[Nikolai]

Thanks Nik, no, nothing so technical. I used my old Oly T32, lay on the ground and fired it up into the tree :D.

Stan

Hmm, then how come it's not centered?

[Stan]

Camera on timer and 30 second exposure gave me enough time to move round to side with the flash and push the test button to fire the flash.

Stan

[Nikolai]

Camera on timer and 30 second exposure gave me enough time to move round to side with the flash and push the test button to fire the flash.

Stan

I got it. It was "painting with light" :-):deal
That's technically a subject for another WA, but what the heck... :wink

[dlscott56]

Busy, busy, busy. The still water was a great success with more participants than any previous assignments and you found time to reply to each entry. And you are shooting for SF1. Good luck with that.

Stan
Definitely a gigantic thank you is in order for you Nik. I really enjoy participating in this part of the forum and appreciate all your comments and the time you put into it. As somewhat of a beginner I can't tell you how much these assignments have inspired me to learn different shooting techniques, explore different ways of shooting a subject, dig deeper into what my camera will do, and even learn more about what can be done to a photo in post processing.

Thanks for doing it! :clap:clap:clap

Also, love your current SF1 entry, nicely done.

[Nikolai]

Definitely a gigantic thank you is in order for you Nik. I really enjoy participating in this part of the forum and appreciate all your comments and the time you put into it. As somewhat of a beginner I can't tell you how much these assignments have inspired me to learn different shooting techniques, explore different ways of shooting a subject, dig deeper into what my camera will do, and even learn more about what can be done to a photo in post processing.

Thanks for doing it! :clap:clap:clap

Also, love your current SF1 entry, nicely done.

You're most welcome! I appreciate your kind words! And, trust me, I'm having a lot of fun with this, too:-)

[Stan]

I got it. It was "painting with light" :-):deal
That's technically a subject for another WA, but what the heck... :wink

So this doesn't count either... I still had fun making it though

Here is the natural
http://stan.smugmug.com/photos/156262381-L.jpg

This is with the 580 on board which does count
http://stan.smugmug.com/photos/156262594-L.jpg

But these are with a 7,500,000 candle power torch (what ever that means)
http://stan.smugmug.com/photos/156429050-L.jpg

and this was when I turned round and looked behind me.
http://stan.smugmug.com/photos/156428712-M.jpg

They were all shot with my 24-105. I left my 10-22 at home but I wished I had it with me.

I will try again, if it ever stops raining. And use flash on board only or remote (but I don't have one)

Cheers
Stan

PS using a torch on a large ares is like using a brush in photoshop :)

[Nikolai]

So this doesn't count either... I still had fun making it though
Here is the natural
This is with the 580 on board which does count

Nice entries! :thumb
I guess now it's time to switch to daylight, no? :wink

[Stan]

Nice entries! :thumb
I guess now it's time to switch to daylight, no? :wink

Work-a-holic, photo-holic, something's gotta give. I got the inspiration from Andy's SMUGMUG rock (http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=556198&postcount=6) The wife thought I was in the pub, but that holic is not relevant since I was atleast 400 yards from the nearest pub and it was shut.

Cheers
Stan

[ChrisJ]

Not a stunning entry, but it illustrates the concept...
http://chrisandjoy.smugmug.com/photos/156448879-O.jpg
I was alone with the boy at the zoo, so this was only with a P&S. Canon PowerShot A710IS.
Without Flash - f/4, 1/600
With Flash - f/4.5, 1/500, "Normal" Flash power
Camera was about 4-5 feet from subject. The ISO is not in the EXIF... darn P&S.

[Nikolai]

Not a stunning entry, but it illustrates the concept...
I was alone with the boy at the zoo, so this was only with a P&S. Canon PowerShot A710IS.
Without Flash - f/4, 1/600
With Flash - f/4.5, 1/500, "Normal" Flash power
Camera was about 4-5 feet from subject. The ISO is not in the EXIF... darn P&S.

Exactly what I was asking for! Good entry by all means! :thumb

[BradfordBenn]

You are making me read the owner's manual to understand the flash options on my camera....

[Nikolai]

You are making me read the owner's manual to understand the flash options on my camera....
Hey, man, that's the whole idea :-) :deal :lol3

[Jnichols]

I hope I have all of my info correct... Here's the first picture taken without flash. The location of the shot was beside my mom's house - the flowers in the background had beautiful natural light, while my daughter sat in the shade cast by the house.

http://nicholsonphoto.smugmug.com/photos/156505467-M.jpg

ISO 250; f/4.0;(set at aperture priority). No flash. I found that I needed fill flash but did not bring my SB-800. I had to use the flash on the camera. Here's the resulting picture:

http://nicholsonphoto.smugmug.com/photos/141008644-M.jpg


ISO 250; f/4.0; shutter speed 1/160; flash used; EV -1/3 and I used a diffuser. In this photo I stood approximately three feet away from her. Actually I was laying in the grass. I thought the photo turned out much better with fill flash.

[BradfordBenn]

Well I read the descructions for my camera and got a few interesting results. The subject is my Newfoundland Chloe. The goal was not to get great shots but to see the technique that Nik is talking about. Previously I have found the the flash really can change the level of detail seen in her fur.

Here is the first shot basically in "P Auto Mode"
http://bradfordbenn.smugmug.com/photos/156520676-L.jpg

Here it is with the Flash changed, I think to be on the closing edge (2nd Curtain) if I remember right... I need to write the order down so I know what I like
http://bradfordbenn.smugmug.com/photos/156520813-L.jpg

Then I messed around with "Compensate for Flash Adjustment" feature and came up with a way over flashed photo...
http://bradfordbenn.smugmug.com/photos/156522116-L.jpg

You can find all 12 I shot at this link (http://bradfordbenn.smugmug.com/gallery/2907631), no touch ups done just converted from RAW to JPEG.

[Nikolai]

I hope I have all of my info correct... Here's the first picture taken without flash. The location of the shot was beside my mom's house - the flowers in the background had beautiful natural light, while my daughter sat in the shade cast by the house.

ISO 250; f/4.0;(set at aperture priority). No flash. I found that I needed fill flash but did not bring my SB-800. I had to use the flash on the camera. Here's the resulting picture:

ISO 250; f/4.0; shutter speed 1/160; flash used; EV -1/3 and I used a diffuser. In this photo I stood approximately three feet away from her. Actually I was laying in the grass. I thought the photo turned out much better with fill flash.

Jen,
thank you for the entry!
I would say that didn't need that much of a flash. Also, imho, diffusers do not help much outdoors. With your situation (shade) you probably needed like 1/32 of the flash power, 1/16 top.

[Nikolai]

Well I read the descructions for my camera and got a few interesting results. The subject is my Newfoundland Chloe. The goal was not to get great shots but to see the technique that Nik is talking about. Previously I have found the the flash really can change the level of detail seen in her fur.

Here is the first shot basically in "P Auto Mode"


Here it is with the Flash changed, I think to be on the closing edge (2nd Curtain) if I remember right... I need to write the order down so I know what I like


Then I messed around with "Compensate for Flash Adjustment" feature and came up with a way over flashed photo...


You can find all 12 I shot at this link (http://bradfordbenn.smugmug.com/gallery/2907631), no touch ups done just converted from RAW to JPEG.

Brad,

while I appreciate your efforts and learning process, this is not what fill flash is used for. Fill flash is used to highlight the foreground, while exposing for the backfround, be it an object been lit by the sun in front of the camera or a nightscape. Your shot is just low light, it's not backlit or anything.
HTH

[Jnichols]

Jen,
thank you for the entry!
I would say that didn't need that much of a flash. Also, imho, diffusers do not help much outdoors. With your situation (shade) you probably needed like 1/32 of the flash power, 1/16 top.

You know - that's interesting. I just used the diffuser without trying to see if there was any change in the photo. I've used my lightsphere before outdoors and I like the effect but I didn't with this one. I also used my onboard flash - so I didn't realize I could change the flash power. I'll need to check on that. Oh and I just realized... I didn't use a diffuser because I used my onboard flash and not my SB800. On to more trials!!! and more reading! :clap

[Nikolai]

You know - that's interesting. I just used the diffuser without trying to see if there was any change in the photo.
You're not alone. Many, many people buy this idea and use the diffuser (and other accessories) when it's not actually needed. Yet if you spend 30 minutes and actually check the difference - you'll be amazed how much of it is a pure hype...:dunno

[Northern Monkey]

I'm getting better with this flash malarky. Spent about an hour today, and took about 30 pictures trying to reduce the power of my canon 430, and bounce it. Keep overexposing tho. I'll try again tomorrow, might be a bit sunnier, so more scope for use of Fill in.

[dlscott56]

Here's a couple of tries :
http://4scotts.smugmug.com/photos/157054694-S.jpghttp://4scotts.smugmug.com/photos/157054477-S.jpg

http://4scotts.smugmug.com/photos/157054757-S.jpghttp://4scotts.smugmug.com/photos/157054375-S.jpg

[Nikolai]

Here's a couple of tries :
Thank you for the entries!

As you can see for yourself, it works much better in your second example.

The reason: that is a textbook case for the fill flash: bright b/g, f/g subject in the shade

The first one is simply a dark scene with foliage pattern, it's hard to recover from it without blowing out parts of the image (which is exactly what happened) :dunno

[hawkeye978]

Nikolai,

Let me know if I am going about this wrong but I don't usually prefer natural light and so I don't think I have fired the flash on the Sony H1 more than a half a dozen times in 18 months. Partially because I light natural light, and mostly because the flash is the equivalent of a tactical nuclear weapon.:D

The flash is the one built into the camera and has three adjustments; +, Normal, and -. I stuck to '-' for these shots. What I was trying to do with these shots was expose for the sky and then fill in the gravestones with the flash. It was near sunset so the areas at the ground were pretty dark and exposing there would blow out the sky. Let me know if I am off base here.

#1
This is 1/80 sec at f/4 with a 10.9 mm focal length, no flash, ISO 64. Shot taken 17 May at 7:33 p.

http://hawkeye978.smugmug.com/photos/157127138-L.jpg

and here is the shot with the flash.

Settings basically the same. The settings are 1/80 sec at f/4 with a 10.9 mm focal length,
flash at '-' setting, ISO 64. Shot taken 17 May at 7:33 p.

http://hawkeye978.smugmug.com/photos/157127546-L.jpg

Shot #2

Here the sky is a little better and I tried to fill from the side a little bit.

Here the camera is shooting without flash, 1/320 sec with aperture of f/3.5 , 6mm focal length, and ISO 100.

http://hawkeye978.smugmug.com/photos/157127679-L.jpg

and here is the flash shot.

For this shot the flash is on, 1/320 sec with aperture of f/3.5 , 6mm focal length, and ISO 100.

http://hawkeye978.smugmug.com/photos/157127929-L.jpg

Other than cropping, no post processing done on any of these pictures. Thanks for the critiques.

[Nikolai]

Nikolai,

Let me know if I am going about this wrong but I don't usually prefer natural light and so I don't think I have fired the flash on the Sony H1 more than a half a dozen times in 18 months. Partially because I light natural light, and mostly because the flash is the equivalent of a tactical nuclear weapon.:D

The flash is the one built into the camera and has three adjustments; +, Normal, and -. I stuck to '-' for these shots. What I was trying to do with these shots was expose for the sky and then fill in the gravestones with the flash. It was near sunset so the areas at the ground were pretty dark and exposing there would blow out the sky. Let me know if I am off base here.

#1
This is 1/80 sec at f/4 with a 10.9 mm focal length, no flash, ISO 64. Shot taken 17 May at 7:33 p.



and here is the shot with the flash.

Settings basically the same. The settings are 1/80 sec at f/4 with a 10.9 mm focal length,
flash at '-' setting, ISO 64. Shot taken 17 May at 7:33 p.



Shot #2

Here the sky is a little better and I tried to fill from the side a little bit.

Here the camera is shooting without flash, 1/320 sec with aperture of f/3.5 , 6mm focal length, and ISO 100.



and here is the flash shot.

For this shot the flash is on, 1/320 sec with aperture of f/3.5 , 6mm focal length, and ISO 100.



Other than cropping, no post processing done on any of these pictures. Thanks for the critiques.

I think your first pair is right on the spot. You have birghter b/g which you want to be exposed properly and you have the all-important f/g subject (a thumbstone) that does not stand a chance unless you help it. Which you did. :thumb

The second one fails to provide the correct settings. It's simply too dark overall to use the "fill flash" concept. At this point a longer exposure would be your tool of choice. Also, note that there is no primary target on the f/g. You're shooting down the alley, and flash is a poor instrument for this kind of scene, since its light falls off too quickly with distance (squared too quickly, to be precise:-).

As a reminder: fill flash is not there to be noticeable. It is there to avoid the inadequacy of the linear "all-objects-are-created-equal" light recording capabilities of the camera as opposed to the target-oriented and real-time-adaptive human eye.

HTH

[hawkeye978]

I think your first pair is right on the spot. You have birghter b/g which you want to be exposed properly and you have the all-important f/g subject (a thumbstone) that does not stand a chance unless you help it. Which you did. :thumb

The second one fails to provide the correct settings. It's simply too dark overall to use the "fill flash" concept. At this point a longer exposure would be your tool of choice. Also, note that there is no primary target on the f/g. You're shooting down the alley, and flash is a poor instrument for this kind of scene, since its light falls off too quickly with distance (squared too quickly, to be precise:-).

As a reminder: fill flash is not there to be noticeable. It is there to avoid the inadequacy of the linear "all-objects-are-created-equal" light recording capabilities of the camera as opposed to the target-oriented and real-time-adaptive human eye.

HTH

Thanks Nikolai, got it.

[Antonio Correia]

http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/157395826-M.jpg (http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/gallery/1587711#157395826-L-LB) http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/157396194-M.jpg (http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/gallery/1587711#157396194-L-LB)

[Nikolai]

room
Very good Antonio, definitely a solid case here. :thumb
Fill flash is very helpful in such circumstances. :deal
The only trick is to hide its tell-tell signs :wink

[Antonio Correia]

Very good Antonio, definitely a solid case here. :thumb
Fill flash is very helpful in such circumstances. :deal
The only trick is to hide its tell-tell signs :wink
As I told Nikolai: Not my best ... :rofl
:thumb

[BradfordBenn]

Here is some tree photos I took. This one is without flash
http://bradfordbenn.smugmug.com/photos/157554422-M.jpg
EXIF Info (http://bradfordbenn.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=157554422)

This one is with flash
http://bradfordbenn.smugmug.com/photos/157554740-M.jpg
EXIF Info (http://bradfordbenn.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=157554740)

What surprised me was when the Wife was looking at them, the first one she said, that is our front yard tree... then she saw the second photo and tree so I think it worked. Still not shooting art yet, but getting closer.

[Nikolai]

Here is some tree photos I took. This one is without flash
This one is with flash
What surprised me was when the Wife was looking at them, the first one she said, that is our front yard tree... then she saw the second photo and tree so I think it worked. Still not shooting art yet, but getting closer.

Brad,

you definitely got it right now! :thumb

[anwmn1]

You have seen this place before-
1.
http://aaronnewman.smugmug.com/photos/156976513-L.jpg

1/6 F8 ISO 100 23mm 2nd one same but with FL50 flash - manual mode +3.0

http://aaronnewman.smugmug.com/photos/156976798-L.jpg


2.
http://aaronnewman.smugmug.com/photos/156975646-L.jpg

1/13 F8 ISO 100 14mm 2nd same but with FL50 flash - manual mode +3.0

http://aaronnewman.smugmug.com/photos/156975376-L.jpg

Not supper but it works right? :D

[Nikolai]

You have seen this place before-
1.1/6 F8 ISO 100 23mm 2nd one same but with FL50 flash - manual mode +3.0
2.1/13 F8 ISO 100 14mm 2nd same but with FL50 flash - manual mode +3.0
Not supper but it works right? :D

It'll do. A bit later (after sunset, I mean) and it wouldn't cut it, but you've made it :-) :wink
Nice entries, thanks! :thumb

[Elaine]

I posted this in people, but I was thinking of this assignment today when I was shooting my son playing in the sprinkler...

EDIT: Whoops! Got ahead of myself...I took a ton with flash but this wasn't one of them! I'll replace the pic with one that did use flash in a bit! :rofl

EDIT 2: Thanks for the reminder about needing an unflashed and a flashed! I guess I was rushing to dinner and wasn't paying very good attention...sorry about that.

Here is unflashed and untouched...
ISO 200, f/5, 1/100, about 4 feet away, 50mm
http://e-heasley.smugmug.com/photos/157952116-M-1.jpg

Here is flashed, with some post processing (admittedly more than I would have liked, but only possible because I used flash, I believe. The light on the face was much more even and the eyes have a bit of catch-light).
ISO 200, f/5, 1/125, on-camera flash dialed down to -2... I think I could have used a bit more!
http://e-heasley.smugmug.com/photos/157952693-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

I posted this in people, but I was thinking of this assignment today when I was shooting my son playing in the sprinkler...

EDIT: Whoops! Got ahead of myself...I took a ton with flash but this wasn't one of them! I'll replace the pic with one that did use flash in a bit! :rofl



We need a matching pair: with the flash and without it :deal

[Elaine]

We need a matching pair: with the flash and without it :deal

Thanks for the reminder, Nik! I edited my previous post. Hope this one qualifies!

[Nikolai]

Thanks for the reminder, Nik! I edited my previous post. Hope this one qualifies!
It does now! Solid entry! :thumb

[Shima]

I took these yesterday, wasn't actually taking them for the assignment, but turns out they work VERY well for it. We just got new curtains thanks to the in-laws visiting and helping us pick them out (we've only been in our house for a little over a month). So in an effort to show my parents who live in New York, I was taking different shots to show them.

Without flash:
http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/157296366-M.jpg

With flash:
http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/157296521-M.jpg

And another angle:
Without:
http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/157297150-M.jpg

With:
http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/157297085-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

I took these yesterday, wasn't actually taking them for the assignment, but turns out they work VERY well for it. We just got new curtains thanks to the in-laws visiting and helping us pick them out (we've only been in our house for a little over a month). So in an effort to show my parents who live in New York, I was taking different shots to show them.

Without flash:
With flash:
And another angle:
Without:
With:


Sorry, girl, this is not a fill flash environment. No bright b/g, no large DOF... This is simply a dark scene that requires an extra lighting. :dunno
Please read the lead post again and also check the whole thread, you'll see what I mean... :deal

[Shima]

Sorry, girl, this is not a fill flash environment. No bright b/g, no large DOF... This is simply a dark scene that requires an extra lighting. :dunno
Please read the lead post again and also check the whole thread, you'll see what I mean... :deal

Woops... sorry... will do

[Antonio Correia]

I consider these assignments more like technical exercises than aesthetics.
I shot these 2 pics some moments ago.
They have no interest what so ever under the aestetical point of view. They even are a photo of myself with my too serious face. May be I was too concentrated :D
Procedure:
a. Camera on a tripod. I was using the 16-35 mm. The photos were taken with CPF to get a darker a deep sky.
b. Manual mode - I went outside and read half to the scene and half to the green you see at the right. I have chosen a "pleasant" aperture: 7.1 for enough depth of field and sharpness. I set the focus to about 3 meters and switched off the auto-focus. I wanted me and the castle at the end to be focused.
c. 1.st shot - no problems. Shoot away.
d. 2. ed shot - Flash on. Power at 0
e. Photoshop - Took the 2.ed picture and melt two copies. One for the background and another for myself :D
That's it.
Technically I think it is well done. But I think I could even get a better picture.... Just may be.
Saturday I am going to a much different scenario: I am going to shoot sky-surf with the 20D + 1.4 multiplier + 70-200 + CPF at 200 ISO. The light will be very harsh...
:thumb Please, click on the pictures for a larger view. Thank you.
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/158079041-M.jpghttp://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/158079468-M.jpg (http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/gallery/1587711#158079468-L-LB)

[Nikolai]

I consider these assignments more like technical exercises than aesthetics.
I shot these 2 pics some moments ago.
They have no interest what so ever under the aestetical point of view. They even are a photo of myself with my too serious face. May be I was too concentrated :D
Procedure:
a. Camera on a tripod. I was using the 16-35 mm. The photos were taken with CPF to get a darker a deep sky.
b. Manual mode - I went outside and read half to the scene and half to the green you see at the right. I have chosen a "pleasant" aperture: 7.1 for enough depth of field and sharpness. I set the focus to about 3 meters and switched off the auto-focus. I wanted me and the castle at the end to be focused.
c. 1.st shot - no problems. Shoot away.
d. 2. ed shot - Flash on. Power at 0
e. Photoshop - Took the 2.ed picture and melt two copies. One for the background and another for myself :D
That's it.
Technically I think it is well done. But I think I could even get a better picture.... Just may be.
Saturday I am going to a much different scenario: I am going to shoot sky-surf with the 20D + 1.4 multiplier + 70-200 + CPF at 200 ISO. The light will be very harsh...
:thumb Please, click on the pictures for a larger view. Thank you.


While blending two exposures in PS is often a good idea, this particular exercise is geared towards using the fill flash to take one correct shot, since IRL you often don't have a chance for a second. The non-flash version I ask for is only requested for comparison/educational purposes.

We're not looking for perfect pictures here (although the good quality is always appreciated), but for improving our techniques... :deal

[Antonio Correia]

While blending two exposures in PS is often a good idea, this particular exercise is geared towards using the fill flash to take one correct shot, since IRL you often don't have a chance for a second. The non-flash version I ask for is only requested for comparison/educational purposes.

We're not looking for perfect pictures here (although the good quality is always appreciated), but for improving our techniques... :deal Then, here it is.
Just a little Curves and Smart Sharpness
Now it doesn't look so good. It is almost straight from the camera !
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/158079041-S.jpg http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/158152970-M.jpg (http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/gallery/1587711#158152970-L-LB)

[Nikolai]

Then, here it is.
Just a little Curves and Smart Sharpness
Now it doesn't look so good. It is almost straight from the camera !

I'd say: not enough flash power :deal Not by much, but still not enough. :dunno

[Antonio Correia]

I'd say: not enough flash power :deal Not by much, but still not enough. :dunno
Sorry Nikolai.
I don't agree ! :toni ( I had to use it some day ) :rofl
Look at the first treated photo. It's good.
It is a good example of fill flash. OK OK those white spots in the window I know ...:huh

But let me state what I think about fill flash:

The charme, the class of the use of fill flash is in using it in a so subtle way that, beeing present, it looks as it wasn't.

My pictures - those posted here - are not "class" examples. Just examples.

Shall I have time to try again tomorrow ? I don't know.

I'll try. :D:thumb

[Nikolai]

...My pictures - those posted here - are not "class" examples. Just examples...

Exactly. They are examples of the technique that is not for this class. In school, if you bring a homework that has little or nothing to do with the assignment, you won't get good grades. Please think along the same lines here. This not the place where one can go ballsitic. Simple task - simple results. :deal For everything else there are Cool shots.
BTW, as you remember, one of the rules is moderate PP. You've broken it too. :dunno
Sorry, my friend, but you're up against a tall and thick concrete wall here, with the barbed wire :wink on top .

[Antonio Correia]

Exactly. They are examples of the technique that is not for this class. In school, if you bring a homework that has little or nothing to do with the assignment, you won't get good grades. Please think along the same lines here. This not the place where one can go ballsitic. Simple task - simple results. :deal For everything else there are Cool shots.
BTW, as you remember, one of the rules is moderate PP. You've broken it too. :dunno
Sorry, my friend, but you're up against a tall and thick concrete wall here, with the barbed wire :wink on top .

:cry:thumb

[say.cheeeez]

A couple examples. These are not retouched. The following examples are shot with a Canon 30D, Canon 17-55 f2.8 EF-S lens, Canon 430 EX flash off camera & triggered with el'cheapo ebay wireless triggers. Both the camera and flash were in manual mode. Oh, and the flash was handheld by my beautiful wife!

Here, Johnny is very sad :(: because his flash did not go off = no fill flash.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/254/524287129_88134059ee.jpg


Now look, Johnny is much happier :D with fill flash!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/243/524233650_52544b59fb.jpg

[say.cheeeez]

Example #2:

Again, Johnny is not very happy because no fill flash :(

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/221/524286703_70dd68c9b2.jpg

Ah, there we go, much better with fill flash!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/207/524286831_9e900b1512.jpg

[say.cheeeez]

Example #3:

Ok, these are all mistakes rather than deliberate, but they still illustrate the point!

No Fill Flash

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/234/524286891_9a18281013.jpg

Yes, FILL FLASH! :D

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/252/524286947_7c4256775f.jpg

[say.cheeeez]

Example #4:

Ok, I guess it is not really an "entry" becuase there is no "before" shot, only an "after" shot with fill flash. But I like this picture and I think it is a good example of fill flash! The fill flash was off camera to the right held by my wife and triggered using the cheap'o ebay triggers.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/217/524253226_3da2d2e932.jpg

[Andy]

here's one

http://www.moonriverphotography.com/photos/156694733-L.jpg

And an animation of a few different takes (http://www.smugmug.com/photos/156685697-O.gif)

Details: long exposure, 30mins.... powerful flash light on the rock art for about 20 seconds or so.


EDIT: OK, rules are rules..

Temple of the Moon, no light:
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/158297715-L.jpg

Temple of the Moon, with light :evil

http://www.moonriverphotography.com/photos/155083753-L.jpg

[Nikolai]

Great entries, thank you very much! :thumb

[Nikolai]

here's one
And an animation of a few different takes (http://www.smugmug.com/photos/156685697-O.gif)

Details: long exposure, 30mins.... powerful flash light on the rock art for about 20 seconds or so.


EDIT: OK, rules are rules..
Temple of the Moon, no light:
Temple of the Moon, with light :evil


Nice of you to join us! :thumb
I was almost ready to give you a good friendly:whip for breaking the rules, but you've recovered just in time. :lol3
I still think it's more "painting with light" which we didn't cover yet (and we're going to! :deal ), but with the objects of that size and distance no flash unit is feasible.
And judging by the fun you guys had with the flash lights in Utah, I think my 18 million candles toy (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=53331) will be rather popular in Montana :rofl

[Antonio Correia]

http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/158395369-M.jpghttp://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/158395985-M.jpg (http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/gallery/1587711#158395985-L-LB)

http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/158394915-M.jpg (http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/gallery/1587711#158394915-L-LB) http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/158394191-M.jpg (http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/gallery/1587711#158394191-L-LB)

[Nikolai]

late entries
Sorry, miss again.
This is clearly not the case when the fill flash is needed.
The foreground object already has enough light as it is (and the light is coming from the side, which is always good), flash does not do anything except flattenting the picture. :dunno

[Antonio Correia]

Sorry, miss again.
This is clearly not the case when the fill flash is needed.
The foreground object already has enough light as it is (and the light is coming from the side, which is always good), flash does not do anything except flattenting the picture. :dunno

:scratch Not my lucky days ... :D
:thumb

[leaforte]

Ok. I need the practice, so I'll try. Thanks for the direction.

http://tonymcguiness.smugmug.com/photos/158579950-M.jpg

http://tonymcguiness.smugmug.com/photos/158579955-M.jpg

INFO: 1st photo: Av Mode 1/200 F/5.6 ISO 200
2nd Photo: Same settings, with flash TTL from Canon EX 580

[Nikolai]

Ok. I need the practice, so I'll try. Thanks for the direction.
INFO: 1st photo: Av Mode 1/200 F/5.6 ISO 200
2nd Photo: Same settings, with flash TTL from Canon EX 580

Thank you for the entry!
I think you overdid the flash a bit. Fill flash is almost never used in ETTL mode. In your case you need a very low and very concetrated beam without the light spill. Switch to manual and start with like 1/128. You can also control the "spread" by selecting the "focal length".
HTH

[Northern Monkey]

Been trying this for a while, but the first one that came out right here. The non flash one isnt in focus tho. Taken today at the airport, in an R-22 helicopter

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/geoffhill/IMG_4402.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/geoffhill/IMG_4404.jpg

Flash used: No
Focal length: 31.0mm (35mm equivalent: 50mm)
CCD width: 22.17mm
Exposure time: 0.017 s (1/60)
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO equiv.: 100
Exposure bias: 0.33
Whitebalance: Manual
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)

and

Flash used: Yes (manual)
Focal length: 31.0mm (35mm equivalent: 50mm)
CCD width: 22.17mm
Exposure time: 0.0100 s (1/100)
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO equiv.: 100
Exposure bias: 0.33
Whitebalance: Manual
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)

[Nikolai]

Been trying this for a while, but the first one that came out right here. The non flash one isnt in focus tho. Taken today at the airport, in an R-22 helicopter
Flash used: No
Focal length: 31.0mm (35mm equivalent: 50mm)
CCD width: 22.17mm
Exposure time: 0.017 s (1/60)
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO equiv.: 100
Exposure bias: 0.33
Whitebalance: Manual
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)

and

Flash used: Yes (manual)
Focal length: 31.0mm (35mm equivalent: 50mm)
CCD width: 22.17mm
Exposure time: 0.0100 s (1/100)
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO equiv.: 100
Exposure bias: 0.33
Whitebalance: Manual
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)

Thank you, nice entries! :thumb

[Antonio Correia]

One fill flash and another one straight up with fill flash.
Both without the "previous shots".

http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/158814475-M.jpg (http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/gallery/1587711/27#158814475-L-LB) http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/158814122-M.jpg (http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/gallery/1587711/27#158814122-L-LB)

[Nikolai]

One fill flash and another one straight up with fill flash.
Both without the "previous shots".

Good usage of the Fill Flash. :thumb
Too bad they are not valid complete entries :-P :wink

[dogwood]

Shot this last night. Yeah, there's a weed or something in the lower left-- I'll probably clone that out in the final image. But for purposes of fill-flash, it shouldn't matter. :D Also, trying out a new watermark, still needs a little tweaking.

http://www.pbase.com/dogwood_digital/image/79959783.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/dogwood_digital/image/79959784.jpg

[Nikolai]

Shot this last night. Yeah, there's a weed or something in the lower left-- I'll probably clone that out in the final image. But for purposes of fill-flash, it shouldn't matter. :D Also, trying out a new watermark, still needs a little tweaking.


Pete,

thank you, very good entry! :thumb

I think you overdid flash a bit, probably need to tone it down.

One thing that can be very useful in such cases is to have flash bracket exposures (I know 580EX supports it) :deal

[Antonio Correia]

A friend of mines borrowed me a Sony DSC-W30.
Some test shots with fill flash.
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/162551273-M.jpg http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/162551932-M.jpg (http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/gallery/1587711#162551932-L-LB)

[Nikolai]

A friend of mines borrowed me a Sony DSC-W30.
Some test shots with fill flash.
Good one, thank you!

[Antonio Correia]

http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/166192227-L.jpg
A very good example. Sorry, but I did not shoot a picture without the flash. It was useless. :D

[Antonio Correia]

http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/166609434-M.jpg http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/166609954-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

three boys on a beach

Thank you!:thumb
I can see some fill flash effect, but in this particular case I do like the original more. With their faces towrds the camera the end result could have been different... :dunno

[Antonio Correia]

Thank you!:thumb
I can see some fill flash effect, but in this particular case I do like the original more. With their faces towrds the camera the end result could have been different... :dunno
May be you mean the composition also.
This one is better, isn't it ?
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/166197961-S.jpg (http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/gallery/1587711#166197961-L-LB)

[Nikolai]

May be you mean the composition also.
This one is better, isn't it ?


I like this one better, but I still think in this case the fill flash is not needed, since I don't think I'm interested in their t-shirts back graphic design.
Again, with their faces towards the camera it would be a totally different story.

[Antonio Correia]

I like this one better, but I still think in this case the fill flash is not needed, since I don't think I'm interested in their t-shirts back graphic design.
Again, with their faces towards the camera it would be a totally different story.
Nikolai.

The photo is inserted in a set of various refering to the competition.
Some are available here (http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/gallery/1587711/1/166152691#166515852) for the moment.
In fact I was using the 70 200 at the time and, in the one refered above, I should have used the flash.
It's my son and my daughter in law. Can you imagine this picture with a fill flash ? It would be a must.
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/166515852-S.jpg
But the action just happened then and I was not prepared.:huh

Later, they will go to the Sports gallery.

They were the jury and the proof was going on in front of them.

So, I was interested in their t-shirts and the competition and not in their faces.:D

[emmalou]

I am learning so much....:bow :bow
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/emmaloudawg/IMG_2771.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/emmaloudawg/IMG_2774.jpg
( and realizing how much I have to get rid of down here!):dunno

[Nikolai]

I am learning so much....:bow :bow
( and realizing how much I have to get rid of down here!):dunno

Tank you, nice entry! :thumb
Next time try the diffuse the flash from the ceiling. There are many ways to do that, business card would be the easiest/cheapest.

[emmalou]

Tank you, nice entry! :thumb
Next time try the diffuse the flash from the ceiling. There are many ways to do that, business card would be the easiest/cheapest.
I will.thanks.

[Antonio Correia]

A friend of mines brought me a ST-E2 from Macau for a better price than in Portugal.
It was very easy to start shooting with it.
1. st - No flash
2. ed - Fill flash on top of the camera
3. ed - Fill flash from the right side. There is a shadow on the wood. I don't like it. :huh
More will come with better quality when I practice more.
This equipment looks very interesting to use.

http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/170462771-S.jpg (http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/gallery/1587711#170462771-L-LB) http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/170463341-S.jpg (http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/gallery/1587711#170463341-L-LB) http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/170463041-S.jpg (http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/gallery/1587711#170463041-L-LB)

[Nikolai]

A friend of mines brought me a ST-E2 from Macau for a better price than in Portugal.
It was very easy to start shooting with it.
1. st - No flash
2. ed - Fill flash on top of the camera
3. ed - Fill flash from the right side. There is a shadow on the wood. I don't like it. :huh
More will come with better quality when I practice more.
This equipment looks very interesting to use.

Thank you! :thumb

For the record, I never heard of the fill flash to be on a side. The only possible scenario I can imagine for it to be if you're dealing with the very unusual lighting setup, when the forground/background are already at an angle to the camera and lit at an angle too, in which case your fill light probably also should be at an (opposite) angle.
Yet this would be quite an unusual situation that require much more special lighing anyway. The fill flash is a general term for a far more typical "dark fg/light bg" situation and shoult be located close to the camera. Also, it should be low enough to NOT create any noticeable shadows. It's primary purpose to remove the shadows that coming from the backlighting, that's all.

In case you didn't get "lighting science and magic" book yet - I do recommend it.:deal

[Antonio Correia]

Thank you for the lines you wrote about this.
I would like to live here my concept of fill flash.
Which, in fact is not much different from yours. :D

My concept is based on this article and I quote:
"... flash can also be used in bright locations or in daylight to lighten shadows, reduce the harsh contrast of full sunlight or brighten up dull images without being the primary light source for the photo. This is called “fill flash” or “fill-in flash,” though the latter term’s more commonly used in the UK. And it’s often a source of surprise for non-photographers, who don’t expect to see photographers using flash units outdoors on sunny days in brightly lit settings. In such situations the fill flash is being used as a sort of portable reflector - shining a little extra light in certain areas." according to http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-f...html#fillflash (http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/index2.html#fillflash)

In fact, I see no problem to call Fill Flash a situation where we try to iliminate/fill the shadows, placing the 2.ed or the #.ed source of light wherever we hope the best results to be produced.

Another example with the ST-E2 and flash outside ( not attached to ) the camera.
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/170469541-S.jpg http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/170470140-S.jpg http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/170469832-S.jpg

These are just experiments.
The last two pictures, are both fill flash photos. I know you agree with me.

[z_28]

First thing - very sorry - pics aren't made yesterday :cry
But I can explain - it's extremely hard to lease such powerful
fill-in flash on daily bases :rofl

One extra bad thing - there are 3 pics - not required pair.

First - full flash power
Second - cut flash power
Third - fill flash OFF

1st
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t247/CameraSouth/IMG_3621-700.jpg
2nd
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t247/CameraSouth/IMG_3622-700.jpg
3rd
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t247/CameraSouth/IMG_3623-700.jpg

All taken with 10D handheld, EF 20-35/2.8L,
400ISO, f3.5, 1st 1/13s, 2nd/3rd 1/50s

Flash - Speedlite 65000000000EX :barb

[Nikolai]

First thing - very sorry - pics aren't made yesterday :cry
But I can explain - it's extremely hard to lease such powerful
fill-in flash on daily bases :rofl

One extra bad thing - there are 3 pics - not required pair.

First - full flash power
Second - cut flash power
Third - fill flash OFF
....
Flash - Speedlite 65000000000EX :barb

ROFLMAO:rofl

[Antonio Correia]

ROFLMAO:rofl

:dunno

[Nikolai]

:dunno
ROFLMAO (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roflmao) :rofl :rofl :rofl

[Antonio Correia]

ROFLMAO (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roflmao) :rofl :rofl :rofl
IASAI :D

I post now a situation where the fill-in flash is not an issue.
I like far better the picture without flash.
It was off camera at our right.

http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/183152861-M.jpg http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/183153637-M.jpg

[Antonio Correia]

But here is one that the fill flash, very subtitle, is an advantage !
No pic without. Sorry.

http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/183148581-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

IASAI :D

I post now a situation where the fill-in flash is not an issue.
I like far better the picture without flash.
It was off camera at our right.



It kinda goes without saying that fill flash is not a panacea. In fact, I specifically mentioned the few scenarios where it is useful. Using it everywhere does not make a whole lot of sence, and this entry of yours demonstrates it very, very clearly. :thumb

[Nikolai]

But here is one that the fill flash, very subtitle, is an advantage !
No pic without. Sorry.

I agree. Too bad you don't have a pair..:-(