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Re: [OM] Flash for novices

Subject: Re: [OM] Flash for novices
From: RobBurn@xxxxxxx
Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2000 21:32:53 EDT
Tony Halmarack writes:

<< > Can anyone please advice me on a flash system the will be suitable for
general purpose outdoor use please?  >>

Tony, please understand that any flash you use for photographing outdoors, in 
concert halls, towards the stage in an auditorium/playhouse, etc. is not 
going to behave as you might think. Flashes are designed for the most part to 
be used in more confined places and are intended to produce a large part of 
the illumination for the photograph from light bounced off or reflected from 
walls and ceilings. This tends to intensify the effect of the light produced. 
This works very well in regular sized rooms, but in outdoor areas and large 
open spaces this bounce light is virtually nonexistent. Therefore the light 
from the flash will not be augmented by reflected light and will have to be 
strong enought to reach the subject through direct frontal lighting. That 
takes a strong directional focus flash. i.e. one with a rather narrow beam. 
Otherwise, use of the flash may be limited to frontal lighting of close 
subjects.

Those little firefly-like flashes you see in stadiums and such from point and 
shoot cameras are doing no more than creating little flashes of light from 
the cameras. Anything beyond 10-12 feet isn't going to benefit in the 
slightest. The light emitted allows you to see that the camera flashed, but 
is ineffective in reaching long distances or lighting large expanses. It's 
like lighting a match outside in the dark attempting to see something 50 
yards away.Put another way, iIt's like adjusting your hose nozzle to fine 
spray and then trying to shoot the water across the street. It won't reach.

If there is enough ambient light from other sources, you can still get your 
photographs without flash. It requires a suitable lens, a wide aperture, an 
appropriate shutter speed and a fast film. If you are shooting stills, a 
tripod and extended exposure times may net you some nice shots.

Hope this helps.

Robert

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