How do you decrease your chance of shadows when using bounce flash?

[cali]

For some reason everytime I take pictures at my friend's house I always encounter the same problem. It seems like even though I use bounce flash my there still seems to be a fair amount of shadows. How do I fix this? Do I simply increase the flash output? Here's an example:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/125/381198934_0e19dfc029.jpg

[Jim G]

It looks a bit underexposed for a start, at least on my monitor... maybe the white in the background is throwing things off a little. Or maybe the ISO was too low and/or aperture too small and the flash couldn't output enough power... or high ceilings? Dark coloured ceilings? Are you using the white card to throw some light forwards? Are you using M mode or ETTL mode on the flash?

[cali]

Hmmm, didn't consider the things you told me. So is that what that white card is for on my flash? Would it make any difference if I use it even though I'm bouncing my flash?

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Yes...it throws some of the light forward to create catchlights in the eyes, and when up close, adds a bit of fill. Try it out. I like a 60 degree bounce with the card out.

[DavidEB]

the teddy bears (http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/guides/teddy/teddy-bear-1.html) are just the thing for you.

excellent information about bouncing flash and flash modifiers, with examples.

[Headcase650]

http://abetterbouncecard.com/

This should be required watching for all flash users, watch this video, go to walmart, buy a 33 cent sheet of 9x12 white foamies and a $2.99 bicycle innertube. Cut a 1 1/4 inch section out of the innertube and the foam sheet like in the video and you have a spectacular lighting tool.

[Curtis N]

Attaching a bounce card is definitely going to help. Something as simple as a 3x5 index card attached with a rubber band is often as useful as the various expensive attachments available.

For most indoor situations, aiming the flash head straight up works best. Remember, you are creating a bright spot on the ceiling which becomes your effective light source. If you angle the flash head slightly forward, this bright spot on the ceiling will often be directly above your subject and result in dark eye sockets. Light from directly above is especially unflattering for older people, making every wrinkle appear more pronounced.

[RangerRick]

For some reason everytime I take pictures at my friend's house I always encounter the same problem. It seems like even though I use bounce flash my there still seems to be a fair amount of shadows. How do I fix this? Do I simply increase the flash output?

It does look under exposed... but, there may be other things going on too.

Here is another possibility (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=271889). Works for me. :D

[lostdoggy]

http://abetterbouncecard.com/

This should be required watching for all flash users, watch this video, go to walmart, buy a 33 cent sheet of 9x12 white foamies and a $2.99 bicycle innertube. Cut a 1 1/4 inch section out of the innertube and the foam sheet like in the video and you have a spectacular lighting tool.

Thanx for the heads up, I'm goner try this out. As a matter of fact I'm goner be next door to the Rag Shop on weds.

[ToyTrains]

You also don't have to bounce straight up. If you are close to a subject you can rotate the flash around 180 degrees and bounce against a white wall behind you or the ceiling above and behind you. You may then get more light onto the subjects face.
Dan

[jr_senator]

Lumiquest's 80/20 would do nicely in that shot.

[RTMiller]

If you angle the flash head slightly forward, this bright spot on the ceiling will often be directly above your subject and result in dark eye sockets.
That point is so true and it is probably missed more often that you might think. You don't just want to angle the flash head up and think all bounced light is equal. Think of playing billiards. You are trying to bounce the light off the ceiling/rail and put it on the face/pocket.;)

[AB8ND]

Depending on the room or how close I am, I normally use the old PJ stand by of a white card (a piece of mat board work great) with the flash head at 75°.


Jack

[René Damkot]

Attaching a bounce card is definitely going to help. Something as simple as a 3x5 index card attached with a rubber band is often as useful as the various expensive attachments available.

For most indoor situations, aiming the flash head straight up works best. Remember, you are creating a bright spot on the ceiling which becomes your effective light source. If you angle the flash head slightly forward, this bright spot on the ceiling will often be directly above your subject and result in dark eye sockets. Light from directly above is especially unflattering for older people, making every wrinkle appear more pronounced.

Yep.. In fact, I bounce the flash *backward* quite often..