Adam Duckworth - The Flash Photography Field Guide: Shaping the Light to Suit YourPhotographs

All committed photographers continually ask themselves the question, how can I take better pictures? Well, there are two steps. The first step is to stand in front of something more interesting! This may sound obvious, but its a serious point. More broadly, it means that you need to think about what youre photographing: who the subject is, and what theyre doing, and also to think about the composition, choice of lens, and the viewpoint.

A stunning poolside location and a pretty model are the basis of a potentially good image, but harsh overhead sun ruined the light on the model. A flash, just out of frame to the right, reduces the harsh shadows. Nikon D3X; 35mm focal length; ISO 100; 1/250 sec at /11.

I wish I could take credit for coming up with the phrase stand in front of something interesting, but I borrowed it from another photographer, who admitted to stealing it from another and so it goes on. Now you can pass it off as your own piece of advice!

The second way to improve your shots is to photograph the light. The light can turn your photograph from simply showing what the subject looks like to something far more exciting. Amazing light can turn the most humdrum picture into something interesting, and can transform a good picture into something truly spectacular.

Of course, light is all around us: from natural sunlight, to moonlight, to artificial lights from houses and streetlights. The masters of available-light photography seem to be able to work magic with what is available, using only a few reflectors or diffusers to give it a boost or to manipulate it.

However, when lovely, quality light just isnt there, isnt spectacular, or you arent able to wait for that sunset or sunrise, there is another optionto create and control your own light using flash. If youve only ever used your cameras onboard flash or a flashgun fastened to the hotshoe, then chances are youve had disappointing results. Hard, unflattering shadows, red eye, and a loss of natural atmosphere are regular complaints from photographers who often go to extreme lengths to avoid using strobe power. There is a way to utilize flash properly, however. Taking control of your flash, changing its position relative to the subject, and altering its light output via different modifiers is a great way to achieve amazing, professional-quality results.

Using flash in this way was previously the reserve of the well-kitted professional, armed with years of technical knowledge and experience. Nowadays, however, its far easier and cheaper thanks to built-in wireless triggering systems and a glut of aftermarket accessories. Also, with digital photography you can see the results instantly on your LCD screen, which is a massive aid to getting well-lit images. The Flash Photography Field Guide aims to counsel you in how to effectively use your flashgun, as well as to inspire you with some great images and details of how they were taken.