This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Poring Over the Picture
A Halloween prank done in the dark was transformed into a compelling image by using a long exposure and manually painting the scene with flash.
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Canon 6D • ISO 100 • 30 sec. • f/22 • Sigma 18mm lens • Canon Speedlite 580EX Flash popped nine times
On the creative front, you can combine flash with long exposure, both stopping and collecting time, respectively, in the same picture, which can lead to some compelling imagery. If you’re feeling blue, or perhaps green or red, you can place a colored gel over the flash to change the hues in the scene. If you’re thinking a bit more on the scientific side, why not set the flash to fire multiple bursts (using a unit that supports this feature) to capture the subject in several stages of motion. Or perhaps set the camera on a very long exposure and “paint” the scene with colored light.
Unfortunately, flash is not some easy-to-use magical device. Although it provides a great deal of flexibility, it’s not always the most cooperative tool in your camera bag.
To help communicate more effectively with flash, this chapter gives you some information, advice, and tips on using it to your advantage in a variety of situations.
