Using flash properly

In short: The built-in flash often looks harsh and flat. With fill flash, bounce flash and a diffuser photos become more natural. A hot-shoe flash gives more control.

In more detail: Light gets softer when the light source is large relative to the subject. This is achieved through reflection off a ceiling or wall.

In detail

• Fill flash: With backlight or hard shadows the flash fills faces.
• Bounce flash: Turn the hot-shoe flash to the white ceiling; the colour of the reflecting surface tints the light.
• Red eye: Pre-flash or distance from the lens reduces the effect.
• Flash range: A smartphone flash reaches only a few metres; at concerts it is useless.
• Sync speed: Usually 1/200 s or longer (verschlusszeit-und-bewegung).
• Slow-sync flash: Flash with a long time combines background and subject.
• Consideration: Do without flash in museums, concerts and with animals.