10 Days of Thoughtful Photos: Day 4

Welcome to day 4 of our 10 day series! I hope you have been getting inspired for your upcoming holiday portraits!

Today I want to talk a little about your flash!

If I have said it once, I have said it a 100 times.  Holiday photos, just like 95% of all others... will benefit from adding FLASH! Yes, even if your shooting outside, adding a flash is the easiest way to get better results! I'm not big on repeating myself so if you need to learn some lighting basics check out these past posts!

Lighting 101

Back-lighting

Using your flash in Program Mode

Today, I want to introduce you to a magical option... fill flash! This is when you command your flash on... to fill shadows! Perfect for taking any portrait outside! Simply select the Program (P) Mode, and hit your flash button. (typically looks like a lightning bolt with an arrow on the end)

By commanding your flash you can cover shadows, light under hats, and over-all create a better image!

This is why you see professional photographers with flashes, and extra lighting equipment all the time on location shoots. The more you can control your light the more balanced and even your lighting is!

Your flash isn't just for inside! Be sure to try it this weekend when your at the park, or enjoying some of the pre-holiday events in your town! Spend a little time to get to know your flash better and put a little thought into your next image!