I'm fairly new to DSLR's & asking because until now a lot of my images with flash have a subject in the foreground that's a bit too bright. So, i've been doing some research last few days and this is what i've come up with so far to try and understand the situation:
- Take a test shot
- If your overall image exposure seems correct (when using flash i usually use a semi auto mode like 'P' and so it should be) but the flash seems too strong in the foreground, then 1st try reducing the flash power. This will change the balance (ratio) of ambient (background) light and foreground (flash light). However, doing that (on my camera at least) also seems to reduce overall image exposure. You could try checking the shutter speed too (instead of reducing flash power). In theory, in 'P' mode, shutter speed is done for you by the camera (1/60th sec for flash), but if using other manual modes then make sure I'm using a slow enough shutter speed to capture enough ambient light to expose the image correctly (which reduces the need for flash power for the overall image)
- If after checking/adjusting flash power and/or shutter speed your image is then too dim (but your ambient to foreground light ratio is now correct), then you would increase your iso to compensate which lifts the camera's sensitivity to both the ambient and foreground light to give you correct overall image exposure (not sure if having 'auto iso' on or off is a good idea or not (it's currently 'on')).
Does that sound about right? Or is it somewhat wrong and needs correcting?
ps. I'm using a Nikon D3100 and a Speedlight (bounce)
Many thanks. I'd love to understand it all.
- Take a test shot
- If your overall image exposure seems correct (when using flash i usually use a semi auto mode like 'P' and so it should be) but the flash seems too strong in the foreground, then 1st try reducing the flash power. This will change the balance (ratio) of ambient (background) light and foreground (flash light). However, doing that (on my camera at least) also seems to reduce overall image exposure. You could try checking the shutter speed too (instead of reducing flash power). In theory, in 'P' mode, shutter speed is done for you by the camera (1/60th sec for flash), but if using other manual modes then make sure I'm using a slow enough shutter speed to capture enough ambient light to expose the image correctly (which reduces the need for flash power for the overall image)
- If after checking/adjusting flash power and/or shutter speed your image is then too dim (but your ambient to foreground light ratio is now correct), then you would increase your iso to compensate which lifts the camera's sensitivity to both the ambient and foreground light to give you correct overall image exposure (not sure if having 'auto iso' on or off is a good idea or not (it's currently 'on')).
Does that sound about right? Or is it somewhat wrong and needs correcting?
ps. I'm using a Nikon D3100 and a Speedlight (bounce)
Many thanks. I'd love to understand it all.