Flash On, Flash Off

First let me mention my whole new look here at Picture This. Don't ya just LUV it??? I'm so excited about the new masthead and that the Club let me use pictures of my daughter playing with (what else?) my camera. These pix were taken over 5 years ago when my first daughter was a wee one. I love this series of her. So, thanks ClubMom. You rock. Now, what I may be asking of you, oh wonderful, creative, and helpful readers, is to vote on a recent photo of me to complete the new look here. I'll get some ready and post them soon. Hopefully this week. And then I'm going to ask you to vote. Will you? Pleeeease???

Now, on to the big stuff. Turning back ON the flash, even when you don't really have to. Today's example will be of my daughter (who else?) at our local beach. I know you don't really ever need to use the flash at the beach however, sometimes the extra pop of light can help make the shot more interesting, evening out the shadows, etc. Here's what I mean.

This is taken without it. No flash needed. But the exposure is decided by my PnS camera and that means it was using the bright daylight to expose the shot properly. It works fine but her face is a too dark while the background looks great. But, I want to see my lovely little one's face, not just the beach so...compare it to...

THIS! OK, now we get some nice lighting on her face and the background still looks good. It's as if the flash lights up the subject so it is matching the background's brightness. Get it?? Then, they are both exposed almost equally. Am I making any sense here?

And if you're wondering why she looks a little odd in these shots, it's because she was trying to eat a sandy PB&J on wheat while I was shoving the camera in her face. All she really wanted was to be left alone. Sorry dear, Mommy's little models get no breaks.

There's Monday's lesson. More examples on this whole flash thing tomorrow.

** Only a few days left to send in your Movement Shots. Send them in if you got 'em.

Comments

[Rebecca]

Hey, that's timely - I was just taking a lot of pictures of my daughter this weekend and really frustrated by the shadow thrown by her hat - problem solved! Thanks so much - another great tip!

[Melissa Wiley]

Ooh, I love the redesign. Awesome banner!

[Tracy]

would love to send a photo--where should I send it?

[Kelly Bera]

I had to laugh at "mommy's little model gets no break!" My children feel the same way, especially my 3 year old who honestly believes my camera is a permanent attachment to my face!

[tracey]

Tracy,
Email pix to maypapers@yahoo.com
Thanks!!

[K.]

Yes, I see the difference and I understand exactly now how the flash could be useful in bright settings. Thanks.

ps - love your redesign!