Bounce Flash with 420EX, its all good!

[FlyingPete]

Last night I decided to experiment with the bounce flash on my 420EX. I have never tried bouncing a flash before, even though I have had the 420EX for over two years. The main reasons for this was not knowing if the shot had worked or not (no feedback with film). Last night I gave it ago on my G3, what a difference! I'm now sold on the bounce flash thing; wish I had tried it earlier!

One quick question though, the 420EX has a position that points straight up, and one that is slightly forward of that, pointing the flash at an angle. What position do you guys find best? I would have thought the slightly angled position would provide more light.

[PacAce]

One quick question though, the 420EX has a position that points straight up, and one that is slightly forward of that, pointing the flash at an angle. What position do you guys find best? I would have thought the slightly angled position would provide more light.

Theoretically for flash bounce, the flash head should be pointed at the ceiling or wall at a point that is half-way between the flash and the subject. But you know what they say about theories. It's best to experiment but that's a good starting point.

[PFlor]

I find that having the flash head at 75 degrees works for most close distances. Further out (around 8ft or more) you can try 60 deg. The goal is basically to aim the flash at an angle where the light will bounce back in front of your subject and not behind it.

Now that you've taken the first step in bounce flash you may want to try a more advanced technique by attaching an index card behind the flash head to throw a little light forward. This works best when you're photographing people.

[mookiemeister]

If my subject is close to my camera, I like to bounce flash at 90 degree. If my subject is further away, I tilt the flash as appropriate.

[cityboy_ca]

If you're not too far away you can also attach a small white reflector (I use whatever is available - paper plate, torn up cigarette pack, etc.) with an elastic band so that it sticks up about 4 inches above the flash, then point the flash straight up. The reflector will bounce enough light onto your subject and give you a nice soft overall effect.

In a pinch you can even use the palm of your hand to achieve this, but it's definitely better with something white.