Flash Photography 101 – Tom Cuchara Thursday 1/28

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Flash Photography 101 – Tom Cuchara
Thursday 1/28 6:30 pm 
email Joan Balen beadnik2@gmail.com to sign up... 
Please include which brand of Camera/Flash you use. 

Flash photography is all about adding light to your subject. Sometimes the flash is the sole light source, other times it is supplemental light designed to accent the subject. Direct Flash, indirect flash, light modified flash, bounced flash, fill flash, Rear curtain flash, hi speed flash, etc. -- the key to using flash is to learn how to control the light for the effect that you want.

Tom will demonstrate:
  • pop-up on camera flash as compared to external shoe mounted flash as compared to off-camera flash.
  • a couple of flash brackets
  • several flash modifiers (sto-fen, Gary Fong, Apollo softbox, etc.)
  • some demonstrate bounced light using basic equipment like paper plates, tablecloths, tshirts, reflectors, etc.
  • full flash versus fill flash
  • then we will have a model or volunteer from the audience and demonstrate differently light modifiers with Lightroom capture so everyone can see the effects
  • and break up into groups, Canon and Nikon (thanks Richard Asarisi!) so participants can practice with their own flashes. 
"In general I try very hard to keep the flash off the camera as much as possible.  Off camera flash enables me to be creative and the net result is a better quality of light whether I am photographing people, animals, birds or objects. I use mainly ETTL (evaluative through the lens), and sometimes Manual Flash mode.  I experiment a lot and like play.  I strongly encourage you to practice, play and generally have fun. Look at the world around you and see how light falls off an object and try to duplicate it with a flash.   "

Off camera flash is the preferred method of photographing people, animals, etc.  However, depending on the situation and subject sometimes Tom bounce the flash off a reflective surface or use a light modifier.  Tom try to not use direct flash because the light bounces straight back to the camera creating specular highlights on the subject.  The result is the camera’s meter gets confused and may throw off the exposure by several stops.  Tom will use a flash bracket, light stand or hand hold; all the while keeping the flash off the camera.  "If I have to attach the flash to the camera, I will use a light modifier to soften the light." 

The challenge as a photographer is to see the light, learn your equipment, be creative and go have fun!! 

 some references, books, ebooks and free ebooks......




flash ebooks...
  • Introduction to Flash Photography
  • Benefits of Using Flash
  • Different Types of Flashes
  • Speedlights VS. Studio Strobes
  • What to Look for When Buying a Flash
  • When and How to Use Flash
  • Flash Settings
  • Using Flash Indoor and Outdoor
  • Flash Troubleshooting
  • Bouncing Flash
  • Diffusers
  • Using a Light Meter
  • Wired VS. Wireless Flash Units
  • Ring Flashes
  • Slave Flashes
  • How to Edit Photos that Used Harsh Flash
2.  Outdoor Flash Photography eBooka guide to lighting outdoor and adventure subjects


3. Introduction To External Flash Photography (Free Mini Ebook)

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Photographer level: Intermediate
The Intermediate Guide To: Flash is the second guide in our three-part lighting series. We recommend that you have a basic knowledge of lighting and camera settings before reading this guide. To learn lighting basics, check out the first installment of this trilogy: The Beginner's Guide To: Lighting. 
Topics Covered:
The flash unit is a very sophisticated device, yet very valuable to the outdoor photographer. Sometimes nature just does not provide the best light and using flash can improve it.
Whether you need flash in combination with the natural light or need to create light where there isn’t any, this book covers it all.
The Nikon SB900 and Canon 580EXII are covered in great detail from the LCD to the buttons so you will understand what they all mean.
You will learn how to apply flash for specific results in both intensity and quality.  But even more valuable is how to create light that tells stories. Something that is important to outdoor and adventure photographers.
If you have a flash to accompany your DSLR and overwhelmed by all the options, this eBook will set you on the right path.
1-      The perfect guide to understanding of all the features and function of a flash
2-      Learn what good light looks like
3-      Learn how to create the light you really want
4-      Designed for all photographers with an emphasis on outdoor and adventure photography
5-      Techniques on using light to tell stories
6-      Over 100 pages, 25,000+ words and 150+ photos