fxk
2nd of October 2008 (Thu), 09:12
Flash photography of our fine feathered friends would seem to be controversial, but in trolling around, I’ve found little written on the subject.
Many of the nature sites are displaying photographs that have been taken with either flash as the primary light, or as a fill light. Some outwardly advocate the use of flash to improve the photographs, and sell products like “The Better Beamer” in order to increase the reach of the flash.
In my experience, albeit limited, flash at a relatively close range has the effect of causing the subject to immediately take flight – obviously due to fear. Not only does that spoil the prospect of a second shot, it would seem to be ethically questionable. The stickys on this board talk of disturbance of colonial nesting birds, and human disturbance of Bald Eagles but not the effects of flash - maybe it is "understood".
Another sticky speaks to equipment, technique and research – but unless buried in the other links, the “open posting” is silent on the use of flash.
Even the links that talk of “ethics” seem to be silent on the subject.
So I open this thread to start a discussion of the pros and cons; the experiences and the theories; the when, where, if and how of using flash in photographing wildlife, and in particular, birds.
I can see where there is a possibility of this thread getting heated – I ask everyone in advance to try to stick to facts and the subject.
thanks
frank
Many of the nature sites are displaying photographs that have been taken with either flash as the primary light, or as a fill light. Some outwardly advocate the use of flash to improve the photographs, and sell products like “The Better Beamer” in order to increase the reach of the flash.
In my experience, albeit limited, flash at a relatively close range has the effect of causing the subject to immediately take flight – obviously due to fear. Not only does that spoil the prospect of a second shot, it would seem to be ethically questionable. The stickys on this board talk of disturbance of colonial nesting birds, and human disturbance of Bald Eagles but not the effects of flash - maybe it is "understood".
Another sticky speaks to equipment, technique and research – but unless buried in the other links, the “open posting” is silent on the use of flash.
Even the links that talk of “ethics” seem to be silent on the subject.
So I open this thread to start a discussion of the pros and cons; the experiences and the theories; the when, where, if and how of using flash in photographing wildlife, and in particular, birds.
I can see where there is a possibility of this thread getting heated – I ask everyone in advance to try to stick to facts and the subject.
thanks
frank