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DIY Challenge #5 — Indoor Flash

March 31, 2020

DIY Photo Challenge # 5–Flash

Jack Carlson, Photography Instructor

jack@jackcarlsonphotos.com

When using any type of flash (in camera or external) remember to change the White Balance to Flash. Don’t rely on “AWB”. Light from a flash tube—either in-camera or external—can be softened by using a bounce card.  One can easily be made by using a rubber band to attach a white paper or index card to either the flash tube on your camera or the head of your external flash.

  

Wrong flash position creates nasty shadows.

     Image 1 Set-up Steps

  1. Find an indoor subject that’s made of glass. 2.Set ISO to either 400 or 800 3. Set WB to Flash. 4. Use a rubber band to secure a white card behind the flash. 5. Bounce light to soften it on an inside subject. 6. All other decisions are yours to make.

    External flash to the rescue.

 

Angle camera & flash to prevent reflections

Image 2

This subject is also inside but will be behind glass such as a curio cabinet. Move the subject to the front of a shelf so that it’s completely visible while still inside the cabinet.  Allow enough time to find one that will benefit from additional light. Follow steps listed in Image 1.

Your goal for both images is to add just the right amount of light. This challenge coulg be just that, but will go by in a ….. (No, it won’t stop just because we’re not in the Plant Science Lab.)

Once you have taken both pictures   Attach both images in jpeg format to an email and send to jack@jackcarlsonphotos.com.

New Rule

  1. Images may be from any place where you need to add light from a flash.

  2.  Old Rule I know what some of you are thinking, but no dice: POST-PRODUCTION IS STILL NOT ALLOWED for the images you send since it’s the same instructor. 

 

 

 

Filed Under: DIY Photo Challenge

Weekly Photo Tip

Get an Infrared Filter to create snow

 

Infra-red filter creates eerie snow effect.

Magnus, the faithful camera clubhouse cat, thoughtfully dropped a B+H gift card in my Christmas stocking. I used the card to order an Infrared (IR) filter which, as you will remember knocks out all wavelengths of light below the filter rating. In this case, all light below 930nm doesn’t make it through the filter, and the wavelengths that do make it require 2 1/2 minutes of exposure time. This filter is so dark red, the composing and focusing must be done before the filter is attached to the front of the lens. In addition to a tripod and ballhead, it helps to have gloves and a mug of some type of warm liquid to keep hands and insides warm while walking around behind the camera for those 150 seconds while the shutter is open.

IR filters come in varying strengths which affect the price. Mine wasn’t priced in the low-end promo department, but the effects it creates are both enjoyable and worth the price. Get one and see for yourself.

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About Jack

A classically trained musician since childhood, Jack Carlson always had the “ear” of an artist. It was only a short step to develop the artist’s “eye” as well.

The portfolio of this certified photographer reveals images that emphasize mood and composition. Their purpose is to present a feeling in addition to portrayal of person, place or thing. Sometimes that feeling is nostalgia; other times it is serenity.

Each photograph tells a story.

Upcoming Classes

Jun 2
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Photographing Foliage returns June 2 after a 3 year absence

Jun 22
8:00 am - 10:00 am

They’re Back–Butterflies and Blooms ’22

Jul 9
8:00 am - 11:00 am

Waterlily Workshop-back at CBG by popular demand-Saturday, July 9

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