External flash

Definition

An external flash is a separate lighting device that can be mounted on a camera or used off-camera to enhance the light in a photograph. It allows for greater control over lighting conditions, producing more powerful and adjustable light sources compared to built-in flashes. This versatility is crucial for creating dynamic and visually engaging images, especially in documentary photography.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External flashes typically provide more power than built-in camera flashes, allowing for better performance in low-light conditions.
2. They can be adjusted for different lighting angles and intensities, enabling photographers to create dramatic effects or soften harsh shadows.
3. Many external flashes support features like TTL metering, which automatically adjusts the flash output based on the camera's exposure settings.
4. Using an external flash off-camera can enhance creativity by allowing photographers to control light direction and distance from the subject.
5. Accessories such as diffusers and reflectors can be used with external flashes to further modify the quality of light produced.

Review Questions

• How does using an external flash improve the lighting in documentary photography compared to relying solely on built-in camera flashes?
  • Using an external flash significantly enhances lighting control in documentary photography by offering more power and flexibility compared to built-in flashes. External flashes can be positioned away from the camera, allowing photographers to manipulate light direction, creating more dynamic compositions and reducing harsh shadows. This capability is essential for capturing authentic moments with natural-looking illumination, ultimately leading to higher quality images.
• Discuss the advantages of employing TTL metering with an external flash during a photo essay shoot.
  • Employing TTL metering with an external flash during a photo essay shoot offers significant advantages, particularly in fast-paced environments. TTL allows the flash to automatically calculate and adjust its output based on the available light, ensuring proper exposure without requiring constant manual adjustments. This feature is especially useful when shooting in varying lighting conditions, as it helps capture subjects accurately while maintaining a consistent look throughout the series of photographs.
• Evaluate how an external flash, when used creatively, can impact storytelling in a documentary photo essay.
  • An external flash can dramatically impact storytelling in a documentary photo essay by adding layers of depth and emotion to the visual narrative. By creatively manipulating light—through angles, diffusion, and intensity—photographers can highlight specific subjects or details that draw viewers into the story being told. This enhanced ability to control light not only improves aesthetic quality but also emphasizes themes and moods within the images, effectively engaging the audience and conveying powerful narratives.

Related terms

TTL (Through The Lens) Metering: A method that measures the light coming through the lens to determine the optimal flash output for proper exposure.

Diffuser: A device used to soften and spread the light from a flash, helping to create a more natural and flattering illumination.

Sync Speed: The fastest shutter speed at which a camera can synchronize with an external flash without causing part of the image to be underexposed.