Digital 101 Lesson 6

Flash on Camera
have you ever taken a picture with a flash and only get half of the photo turn out?  usually it's the half that is useless.  this occurs when the camera's shutter speed is set faster than its sync speed.  every camera has a certain shutter speed that is the fastest one available before it captures the shutter in the image while using flash.  this called the sync speed.  new cameras will not let you go past this with a flash is mounted in the hot shoe but older cameras aren't quite as smart.

did you know that the distance between the camera's lens and the flash will also effect the possibility of the subject having "red eye"?  the best distance is between 12-14 inches apart.  this might mean that the flash has to be attached to the camera with a "sync" cord.  this will allow the camera to be mounted on a bracket handle and also the flash but higher.  some brackets allow for the camera to be rotated from horizontal to vertical with the flash remains above the lens while others have the flash flip over the camera for vertical shots.

a big selling point for flashes is how fast it recycles.  you fire the flash, it hums and then the ready light comes on.  this recycle time is as believable as miles per gallon on a car ad.  the ready light on some units come up at about 75%.  if you were to take two shots of the same subject, the second could be a little under exposed if you make the exposure as soon as the ready light pops up.  here's a little known secret that even most pros don't know; rechargeable batteries with recycle a flash faster than fresh alkaloids.  they have less internal resistance.

Down the Bunny Trail

don't miss out on this limited opportunity.  from March 22 thru April 3 the studio will be photographing children with live bunnies.  also... we're going to offer very affordable prices and... we are donating some of the proceeds to Kindervelt #72 which benefits Children's Hospital.  call early because this event os going to sell out.