Using flash indoors - avoid it?

[kcassens@hvc.rr.com]

Just wanted to get people's opinions here. I understand (at least I think I do) why and when you might choose to use flash outside (fill, shadows). I also have read the benefits of trying NOT to use flash indoors. How far are most of you able to go by just using camera settings and the available light for indoor pictures. At what point do you have to give in and use flash indoors rather than possibly keep up-ing the ISO?

I know in some situations (such as when I shoot my son's basketball games), I never use flash. But what about the everyday shots of my kids in the house... should I spend a lot of time trying to avoid flash if possible? Or should I flip open the flash almost right away when shooting in places such as my home (or the Thanksgiving dinner table :))?

Thanks in advance,
Kathy

[JoYork]

Hi Kathy,

If you can afford it, buying an external flash unit (such as the Canon 430ex) will give you much better results than the flash that's built into your camera.

Personally I think unless you have decent off-camera lighting then it's better to use available light as much as possible. But if it's photos of your kids it's better to use flash and get some pics you'll treasure forever than not use flash and not take any photos.

[BillyR]

Don't know what kind of camera you have, but I almost never shoot indoors without using flash with my 5D. Bounce-flash is by far the best way to to go when conditions permit, but even if the ceiling isn't white the white balance can usually be corrected in ACR. Whenever I'm in a hurry and don't have the time to set exposure, etc. I shoot straight-on in Auto mode, and can usually make those pictures look good in ACR also.

Whenever I'm forced to shoot without flash indoors I can go up to ISO 1600 and still get good results. The graininess usually doesn't show up in the final result if I don't have to PP the files too much, but ACR does a good job with that too. I hardly ever use Neat Image any more.

[Mark1]

Dont use it..... TILL YOU LEARN HOW TO USE IT.

[kcassens@hvc.rr.com]

Dont use it..... TILL YOU LEARN HOW TO USE IT.

that is what I am doing as we type... :) I have found A LOT of good info on indoor flash photography. Much harder than outdoor lighting issues...

[Mark1]

Yes and no. Depends on your approach. It is very easy to overwhelm yourself with info. In truth everybody is explaining the same thing, but in 50 different ways.

In short it is this. Don't try to use the flash to light the entire room. Use it as a FILL light. Try not to use it directly. Bounce it if you don't have a diffuser of some kind. And get it off the camera if you can. After this is is really up to you and how creative you are in useing it.