Bounce flash?

Thanks for the info guys. Yeah, I realise it can get very expensive. I'd never heard of a bridge camera before so that's another thing I learned today. And that's what I'll go for based on the advice. Thanks griffo, I might just go and buy a small mirror and try that little trick. :)
 
You could get a flash with a slave mode, like my £40 Jessops one which can be triggered by any other flash, like the one on your Pentax.

You'll still have a direct flash from your camera, but that can be diffused using masking tape, tissue, opaque plastic and so on.

Edit:

Bare built in flash:

1538o3s.jpg


Bare built in flash + bounced flash gun:

otj6s3.jpg


Diffused built in flash + bounced flash gun:

10n8328.jpg
 
Last edited:
Raikiri said:
You could get a flash with a slave mode, like my £40 Jessops one which can be triggered by any other flash, like the one on your Pentax.

You'll still have a direct flash from your camera, but that can be diffused using masking tape, tissue, opaque plastic and so on.
Click to expand...


Right, that sounds interesting. I just read something about slave flashes, it says "A slave flash often comes with a bracket that has a hot shoe at one end. The bracket is screwed into the tripod mount on the bottom of a camera, then the flash is mounted on the bracket hot shoe." So that means I'd have to take all pictures hand held and not be able to use my tripod?
 
No, you can use a tripod as much as you like. It just means that the flash will come with a stand that can be screwed onto a tripod as well, if you so choose.
 
Hey Merlin5, good stuff!

Indeed it can get very expensive before you even realise how much money you've spent :O

As for a temporary solution you can still get acceptable results from your existing camera by using a white card to bounce the onboard flash off the ceiling. Just tape/hold a white piece of card in front of the flash angled to bounce upwards at the ceiling and you're good to go.

This is only really suitable for small rooms or rooms that have a low ceiling as the onboard flash isn't very powerful but at least it's something to play around with and learn with :)

You might also have to increase the flash compensation on your camera, most point and shoots have this function.

Here's a late night quick and dirty example of a before and after I did with my Canon A590 IS:

No flash/bounce:
merlins_protip_1.jpg


With flash+bounce
merlins_protip_2.jpg


The white "card":
merlins_protip_3.jpg


Hope that helps!
 
Last edited:
Hey Khaaan, thanks for the tips :) I shall get hold of a white card and try it.

I have to say, directly flashing a subject from my camera really makes everything look horribly flat and like a deer caught between headlights. :p
 
No problems! That also reminds me, I still have not made the beauty dish for the flash yet - cannot find one part I require in any store :(
 
Khaaan, that picture you took of your headphones on some cool looking silvery holder, was that done with bounce flash too?
 
av_HD555_stand.jpg


That one?

That actually was not! It was shot using the infamous Nifty Fifty lens and natural light. I think it was at f/2.8.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom