When to use flash

[ougrad02]

I just recently purchased my first flash unit in the form of a Canon 430 ex ii. Anyway up until now, as I am very new to photography, I have only been doing landscape shots on a tripod with no flash. I want to expand a bit and get into portraits and maybe some different product shots. So for this type of work I purchased a flash unit as I have heard that it makes a huge difference in photo quality. So my question is, in what situations would I use the flash? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I'm very green in this area and would just like some advice on when to use the flash and when not to. Also if anyone has any good reading on the use of flash I would appreciate being directed to it so I can absorb some information. Thanks.

[tim]

This might sound like a stupid answer, but you use a flash when you want more light. Sometimes you want more light because the background's very bright and the subject's dark. Sometimes you want light bounced off something to give a directional effect. Sometimes you want fill to reduce the shadows. Sometimes you just need light as it's dark.

It's a bit of a general question so I can't give you much more advice, but hopefully that gets you started.

[Curtis N]

There was a time when flash was primarily used to increase the quantity of light on a scene. As the high ISO performance of digital cameras continues to improve, we can now use flash in a more deliberate way - to improve the quality of light.

Light quality can mean a lot of different things. The learning curve is steep, but it's worth the climb. To learn about light, and how to use flash to improve it, start with the links in my signature. I also recommend:
http://strobist.blogspot.com

[DDCSD]

I use my flash when it's too dark to get an acceptable photo without it, when the existing light is of poor quality or when I need fill flash to remove nasty shadows.

Here's a great link for flash stuff:
http://www.planetneil.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/


Also, be sure to check out the stickies at the top of this section and in Curtis' sig.

[apersson850]

I agree with the answers above. In the old days, it was more likely to be "When it's dark".
But nowadays "When you want a different light" is probably a more appropriate answer.

[stathunter]

Yep - strobist is a great resource for learning and being creative with light. That leads me to say that the biggest mistake you can make is really using too much flash.......you really need to have something a bit more subtle....too much flash is a tough balance.
Personally I am someone who likes to use flash sparingly and under flash (if that is a word) rather than add too much light.

[sekhar]

another useful link to know more about ur gear and somebody called it "the flash Bible" http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/

[FLiPMaRC]

I use mine only after 6pm :p




A good place to start: http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html

[gnnbtrn]

Wow, this is a VERY GOOD question.
I would use flash any time I need different lighting than available light.
sometimes it is to light up a subject, sometimes - for background, sometimes for both.
But if you have only one flash, start using it for outdoor portraits in a way nobody could guess you have flash.

[Roy G. Biv]

I use flash most of the time, indoors and out. There are times where it has been a bright sunny day and I am using flash outdoors and people think I'm retarted. Its a way to bring the light up on a face without blowing out the sky.

[Jon Foster]

I find myself shooting more and more with a flash even on bright days. The fill will usually give shots that extra clean look. Just don't over do it. Dial the flash down a bit so people don't realize you were using it for fill...

Jon.

[ougrad02]

Thanks for the tips and ideas so far. I've also started doing some of the readings that have been provided. It's definitely helpful and things are starting to make a lot more sense. Thanks again. Now it's just time to experiment and see what happens.

[Tiberius47]

I usually have my flash on unless I am shooting landscapes (and then I don't use it simply because the landscape is too far away.)

[durkhrod chogori]

All the time in portrait work, in serious work and if you want to be real serious STROBES ARE A MUST.

[Mil]

I use flash most of the time, indoors and out. There are times where it has been a bright sunny day and I am using flash outdoors and people think I'm retarted. Its a way to bring the light up on a face without blowing out the sky.

Agree on this!