Direct Flash?

[justshot]

Hi all,

I have noticed from the photographers in the news and streets that most just used direct flash. They could be shooting events, celebrities, sports, models....

Few seems to have a ommibounce or used the small bounce card available from their flash.

But I have yet to see them using a bounce card, lightsphere or any other methods of directing the flash.

Don't know what is the reason for this.

Can anyone advise?

Thanks in advance.

[ncmedix]

I think you are probably referring to paparrazi or news photography. No disrespect to either, but the primary focus is "getting the shot" and not really looking at highlights, shadows, etc. Their flash is set straight ahead to ensure they have enough available light to get "the shot".

[ssim]

I agree with ncmedix. All they worry about is getting the shot. However, if you see some news photographers that are on assignment that have time to set up properly you will see most of them use some sort of diffuser when the situation warrants it.

Alternately I highly doubt that some of the tabloid type publications could care less about the ethics of editing images and are more than happy to deal with the shadows in photoshop.

[Curtis N]

They follow the K.I.S.S. Principle (keep it simple, stupid!). They don't want to be fumbling with some piece of tupperware while their competitors are getting the shots.

For outdoor fill flash, diffusers & such are pretty worthless. I have seen PJs use bounced flash indoors quite a bit though - Even in a big room it can get you an extra stop and improve the lighting. I've also seen a PJ fold up a piece of paper and rubber band it to her flash as a bounce card.

They all have editors (bosses) who have their own preferences. Sometimes they actually want the dark background that direct flash can produce, so they can print text over it.