Briefly comment on your approach to adding light to low light scenes using flash.

By Editor • Posted: Mar 22, 2010
Editor's picture
Most DSLRs these days come with built-in flash. While not very powerful they are fine for fill. Do you have an auxiliary hot shoe flash or other lighting gear yet?
Briefly comment on your approach to adding light to low light scenes using flash.
Yes I have the manufacturer's hot shoe flash to supplement lighting.
63% (40 votes)
I do but it is an independent brand flash and it works fine.
23% (15 votes)
No I don't use any flash other than the built-in.
14% (9 votes)
Total votes: 64
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Comments
Jeremy Verinsky's picture
Submitted by Jeremy Verinsky on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

One of the easiest and best things you can do to improve your photography is to get the flash off the camera so you can control the direction of light and avoid the copy machine look.

Michael's picture
Submitted by Michael on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

I like being able to aim the flash and adjust the amount of light it puts out. The built in flash tends to wash out faces.

Scott Poborsa's picture
Submitted by Scott Poborsa on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

As a Nikon shooter there are many different optionsfor lighting. I use mainly a Metz 54 MZ-3 hotshoe mounted flash along with the nikon ttl remote flash cord. I also use my nikon SB-400 as a portable flash unit for on the go street photography. It is probably one of the most underrated units to date as it is very powerful, very small and compact, has a tilt adjustment, and takes only two AA size batteries for opperation but lasts all day. Those are my flash units and I also use Elinchrom studio stobes in my studio. All offer enhanced features, low maintenance, and high power and speed.

Peter C. Brandt's picture
Submitted by Peter C. Brandt on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

Even though I have the extra flash, i seldom use any flash.

Omar's picture
Submitted by Omar on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

There are times when the built-in flash is handy and does the job. For me that is about 40% of the time. The other 60% I use the manufacturer's hot shoe flash.

John's picture
Submitted by John on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

Very necessary with many lens as the peanut flash casts a shadow where the built-in flash strikes the lens. Not so nice!

Robert Iversen's picture
Submitted by Robert Iversen on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

I want to utilize the features that Canon offers, so I went with a Canon flash.

Neil Persh's picture
Submitted by Neil Persh on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

I shoot in manual mode for the ambient light and use flash compensation for the best lighting on my subject.

Rod's picture
Submitted by Rod on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

I have both a manufacture's flash and an independent flash, but I use the independent as my primary flash.

Mel Reimer's picture
Submitted by Mel Reimer on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

The built-in flash is fine for limited applications, but hot shoe and auxiliary flshes are much more versatile.

Kenneth's picture
Submitted by Kenneth on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

On camera flash works ok on indoor photos in a pinch. Otherwise I have a Canon unit for my Canon SLR's.

Ken Truax's picture
Submitted by Ken Truax on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

I really rely on the ability to adjust the flash for output and direction of light to use for fill. I work with models to develop their portfolio.

Marc Campo's picture
Submitted by Marc Campo on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

When high ISO and fast apertures just don't cut it, a flash is essential. I always bounce it off a wall or ceiling, though. Otherwise I find the direct lighting undesirable.

Ron Fraass's picture
Submitted by Ron Fraass on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

I use whichever is most convenient. Built-in is very handy plus it controls external flashes.

Dustin's picture
Submitted by Dustin on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

I have the Canon 430ex 2 and two LumoPro 120's and combined I have a portable studio setup.

Terry's picture
Submitted by Terry on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

I use a Nikon SB-800 and at times the built in flash on my Nikon D200.

Don Haberman's picture
Submitted by Don Haberman on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

Also have other types of portable lighting including a small LED panel.

James's picture
Submitted by James on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

I use my Nikon SB800 and/or SB900 100 percent of the time when shooting people outside. I like the fact that it's enough higher than the built-in flash to minimize red-eye.

Jesse Painter's picture
Submitted by Jesse Painter on June 5, 2011 - 4:30pm.

I use a Canon Speedlight 430ex with a Gray Fong for indoor photos.