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flash photography techniques
~ intro page ~ natural looking flash
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flash photography techniques and tips
As photographers we’re always looking for perfect light.
And yet, the quality of available light isn’t always ideal. It is rarely perfect.
But I feel that in using flash wisely, I’m able to enhance or over-ride the available light. With careful use of flash, I am more in control of light, and hence the way my photos will look – than if I had just accepted the existing ambient light.
Instead of waiting for perfect light, I use what I have …
and add flash to make the best of the situation.
The next series of articles is a primer for anyone who is struggling with flash photography, or worse yet, intimidated by it. Hopefully, as you go through the articles, things will fall into place.
We’ll be aiming for those “aha!” moments.
However, there are a few things we need to get out of the way first :
- These pages were originally written to help other photographers who struggle with on-camera flash. But they were also written as a reaction against the snobbery of the purists who insist on using available light only – even when it looks terrible.
- Many of the photos on the next few pages are from weddings. However, don’t feel that this only relates to weddings. The techniques here are applicable to almost any other field of photography. Since the majority of my work is as a wedding photographer in New Jersey, it was often easier for me to find examples from that.
- The techniques here are, for the most part, system non-specific.
I own and use both Nikon and Canon systems. I have used, I number of Canon and Nikon and Fuji cameras. These articles are written with the intent that they apply to pretty much any camera and flash system. The finer specifics can always be found by delving deeper into the manuals – but at a certain level, these techniques apply to every camera and flash. - The photos here were all taken with digital cameras. They are immensely helpful tools in learning about the craft of photography. However, the techniques here are valid for film cameras too.
- Also, the images here had little Photoshop work done to them. But I did correct the white balance, and fine-tune exposure and contrast for these photos, as part of my general raw workflow. I wanted to show what was possible with the camera and flash and lens; not show off Photoshop skills.
- I always use my camera in manual exposure mode for very specific reasons. With flash however, I alternate between TTL flash (if either myself or the subject isn’t static), or manual flash, (if the subject is static in relation to the strobe.) More about that in the following articles.
- And finally, when I talk about ‘on-camera flash’, I am not talking about the pop-up flash, but a proper dedicated hot-shoe mounted speedlight / flashgun.
let’s get started – the first step: making flash not look like flash
Also be sure to read the other entries on the Tangents blog. I continually add new material. To stay up to date with new entries as they are published, add the Tangents blog to your RSS feed, or you can sign up for the monthly newsletter.
For those in a rush to get to the more complex stuff – here’s the resource page for off-camera flash photography techniques and tips.
photography books written by Neil vN
info about the other books on photography
1. On-camera flash photography, by Neil vN
2. Off-camera flash photography, by Neil vN
3. direction and quality of light, by Neil vN
also check out my list of recommended books on photography technique,
and my choice of best photography books.
newsletter / forum / workshops & seminars
Stay informed of new articles via the monthly newsletter.
Also join us on the Tangents forum for further discussions.
If you need more direct help or instruction on flash photography,
I do present workshops & seminars and also offer individual tutoring sessions.






I really like the work you have done.Your site is well written and easy to follow as well as covering a lot. Thanks
Comment by Ray Westfal — September 7, 2009 @ 8:17 pm
Hi Neil.
your site and fluid explanation of flash photography is staggering! Ive always struggled with flash but since finding your site I must say it makes you think to yourself… why diden’t I THINK!!. your explanation of manual flash and what you need to remember i.e. the four things that will control the flash exposure, power. apature. iso. distance. gave me a word that I will always remember, the first letter from each word spells P.A.I.D and I would think if everyone followed your lead, and teachings they would be paid with outstanding pictures.
many thanks phil.
Comment by phil barry — September 18, 2009 @ 6:17 pm
Hello Neil,
I am pretty new into photography and I am so obsessed with photography, my aim is to be able to do portraiture and weddings. I found your site and I feel like you have just brought me up into a new world of photography. You are so precise with your explaiation. I have spent all sunday reading your article from page to pages and I had bought 3 of your books and can’t wait to get them.
I currently have Canon 50D with 70-200mm/2.8 IS and 24-105mm/4L IS
Thank for sharing your knowledge with us and looking forward to learn more from you and other photographers on your site.
Greatly appreciated.
Sid from (Australia)
Comment by Sid — November 8, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
[...] del post original en ingles de Neil van Niekerk, con el permiso del propietario del copyright. flash photography techniques [...]
Pingback by ARGI-ITZALAK » Técnicas de fotografía con flash – Introducción — November 30, 2009 @ 1:16 pm
[...] flash effectively. In particular I read a great blog series by Neil van Niekerk. His insights into Flash Photography Techniques were very helpful and gave me some excellent ideas to try using bounce flash, fill flash and [...]
Pingback by Fun With A Ball - DWagaman Photography — February 13, 2010 @ 12:49 am
[...] esta web de Neil van Niekerk tienes un sitio por donde [...]
Pingback by Bodas, un lugar donde empezar « Thewebfoto blog — February 13, 2010 @ 5:52 am
Neil, just received your book “On Camera Flash Techniques” and really enjoyed the material presented. Kudos!
Carl Harsch
Comment by Carl Harsch — March 12, 2010 @ 5:36 pm
Hey Neil. I picked up your On Camera Flash Techniques book and all I have to say is It’s about damn time someone gave all the ins and outs of flash photography. I learned everything I know by myself but I know that there are tons of photographers out there who will treat this thing like the bible!
Amazing work. Now I am REALLY bummed that I missed you when you came to Western New York last year… Next time don’t have a workshop on my wife’s birthday okay?
Take care!
~Michael Alan Bielat
Comment by Buffalo Wedding Photographers — March 24, 2010 @ 2:44 pm
Hi Neil
I have been referring to this site on and off for several years now and on visiting for the first time in a couple of years, pleased to see you have a book out which I will be getting.
Also nice to see the site redesigned although the background shape is rather distracting and sorry to say, irritating. I think the site would be better off without it.
Small nit and I suppose I should complain given the mine of info this site is.
Comment by Dave — March 27, 2010 @ 11:01 am
Comment by Neil vN — March 27, 2010 @ 1:34 pm
Is there a chance to have a translation to Portuguese?
Best regards,
JAP
Comment by JAP — March 31, 2010 @ 9:31 am
Comment by Neil vN — April 1, 2010 @ 2:18 pm
Hi Neil,
Just amazing! Your step by step explanation with the pictures teaches us how to take good pictures. I have gone thru your book several times and every time I learn something new. Just perfect.
Thanks.
Scott
Comment by Scott Shah — May 30, 2010 @ 5:51 pm
Thank you very much for sharing your interesting views. Your extremely clear explanation on the difference between using TTL and manual flash has triggered me to buy your book via amazon. The book has not arrived yet, but in the meantime I keep busy picking up knowledge from your website. Hopefully after reading your book I will be able to adapt to available light and use flash light in a much better way. I want to get rid of the ugly shadows I currently have behind my subjects (even in bounce mode and with diffuser). That is why I searched for interesting tips on flash photography in the first place.
Regards, Karla
Comment by Karla De Smedt — June 19, 2010 @ 6:30 pm
Comment by Neil vN — June 19, 2010 @ 6:59 pm
Having shot a lot with just the pop-up flash and it sounds like something Karla was going through, I came across a Pop-up bounce which which works great indoors and packs completely flat, they make it for Nikon, Canon and Sony DSLR cameras and is really durable. I can just throw it in my pocket and pop it on the camera with ease. It’s called the Zeh Bounce and I found it at http://www.ZehPhotographic.com. It is normally $10 and I actually got it discounted through the NAPP website, of which I am a member. For $10 though it works great. Worth a look.
Comment by John Parkett — June 22, 2010 @ 2:45 am
Neil,
First off, I love your work. I think you should do more podcast, I think it would save you alot of time and and you have a great voice.
I just in the last year vamped up my skills and gear and am using the 5d Mark II and just last week I bought the 1d Mark III. I like them both alot while recognizing my frustrations with each. I would love to read more about why you primarily shoot Nikon now and what are some of your biggest frustrations with the 1d Mark III?
Cheers
Comment by Adam — August 12, 2010 @ 1:37 pm
Comment by Neil vN — August 13, 2010 @ 3:26 am
I found your explanation of flash photography very interesting. Over the years I have dabbled with light mainly in the black and white field and film. Now I can afford a better camera (Canon EOS 5 Mk2) and IS lenses, L series flash is not something I use very often, but I am willing to learn and will purchase your book through Amazon.
Comment by John Belt — November 7, 2010 @ 2:56 pm
[...] so I was used to using only natural light. Entering the wedding market, I had to be able to use an on-camera flash, and use it well. I had used them in the past, but I was always let down by the look. I tried a [...]
Pingback by Photography Profile - Neil van Niekerk | Red Photo — November 27, 2010 @ 1:08 pm
Great article; it gave me an insight on how to operate my CanonEOS 7D and the 580EX ll together.
I had a lot of problems on Christmas night.
Mike
Comment by mikehenville — December 27, 2010 @ 8:41 pm
I am just getting started to digital photography and had bought a Nikon D3100 to start with. I am currently shopping for a flash for my camera and I know I can’t go wrong if I purchase one of Nikon’s SB flash series, which are quite pricey in my opinion. Would you recommend a non-Nikon flash that will do a decent job for an average amateur photographer like me that will not cost an arm and a leg?
Comment by Sam Saludo — February 23, 2011 @ 12:57 am
Comment by Neil vN — February 28, 2011 @ 9:04 pm
Thanks for having your e-book available through barnes and noble. Just bought it on my nook color after spending an hour pouring over your website in a coffee shop! This is really going to belp me i think :)
Charles.
Comment by charles — March 5, 2011 @ 9:14 pm
I just want to express my REPEATED gratitude…I from time to time “google” questions and I always tend to find myself back here. Not only do I find the answers I’m looking for, I find the most simple explanations and I don’t feel like a complete idiot!! I consider myself a professional photographer but at times, on different discussion boards I feel talked down to and I question my abilities. I don’t ever feel that way when I read your explanations. Again- THANK YOU!
Comment by A. Hedges Photography — March 9, 2011 @ 10:15 pm
[...] Also, Neil van Niekerk offers what many photographers do not – a step by step tutorial on how he achieves dramatic lighting in a variety of situations. He does a thorough job of explaining the ins and outs of flash wedding photography (although the techniques can be applied to any kind of portrait) in a way that everyone can comprehend. [...]
Pingback by Review: The Art of Self-Portraiture by Anna Gay | Bride Photographer — May 29, 2011 @ 10:39 pm
Neil, great explanation. I enjoy all of your creative posts and thanks for coming to AD in Cincinnati earlier this month. I’ve already incorporated into my workflow many of the things you demonstrated at AD.
Comment by Max Surikov — May 30, 2011 @ 12:39 am
[...] Also, Neil van Niekerk offers what many photographers do not – a step by step tutorial on how he achieves dramatic lighting in a variety of situations. He does a thorough job of explaining the ins and outs of flash wedding photography (although the techniques can be applied to any kind of portrait) in a way that everyone can comprehend. [...]
Pingback by Review: The Art of Self-Portraiture by Anna Gay | Sam Hayward Photography UK — May 31, 2011 @ 1:45 pm
[...] Neil van Niekerk, who has made a name for his work by balancing out ambient light and flash strobes to create beautiful wedding photos, has written an incredibly informative guide on the subject. Click here to browse through his collection of articles. [...]
Pingback by Quick Tips to Professional-Looking Portraits — July 15, 2011 @ 9:54 am
Neil,
Thank you very much for taking the time to pass on this knowledge! This is an invaluable resource for anyone starting to learn flash photography.
Denzil
Comment by Denzil Jennings — July 23, 2011 @ 11:06 am
[...] so I was used to using only natural light. Entering the wedding market, I had to be able to use an on-camera flash, and use it well. I had used them in the past, but I was always let down by the look. I tried a [...]
Pingback by Photographer Profile - Neil Van Niekerk — August 10, 2011 @ 8:32 pm
[...] There are, of course, photographers who will refuse to add flash to a scene, and who will shoot only with the available light in almost every circumstance. I personally think this is a limitation more than it is a statement about talent, although you can achieve some wonderful shots with natural light (especially for portraits), and absolutely agree that being able to work creatively with ambient light is a must for photographers. Nevertheless, you do need light to take a photograph, no matter what the ISO speed of your camera. As well, using flash lighting skillfully is about bringing light to an exposure without making it obvious the flash was used at all. Indeed, when it comes to time and aggravation and screw-ups, knowing how to use a flash properly, and to take gorgeous photos with it, requires more of an investment than the price of the flash itself. The aforementioned Strobist site is a great place to start, as is Neil van Niekerk’s site. [...]
Pingback by That’s good gear! That’s bad gear! Gear, gear, gear! | Shutterbuggery — September 30, 2011 @ 6:53 pm
I found your explanation of flash photography very interesting. Over the years I have dabbled with light mainly in the black and white field and film.
Comment by kamera sistemi — December 3, 2011 @ 11:25 am
Hi Neal,
I had my NikonSB700 delivered today and it is my first flash gun. Looking around the internet for tutorials I happen to come across your website. I intend to read all your articles and hopefully overcome my fear of using flash. I am a beginner and your website is very informative indeed.
Thanks,
Basanta
Comment by Basanta — December 19, 2011 @ 12:54 pm
I’ve read your book on On Camera Flash and found it extremely useful – in fact I’ve just recommended it to a friend.
Comment by Alex Saville Photography — January 16, 2012 @ 10:13 am
Hi Neil,
Dankie vir al die inspirasie. Jy is net eenvoudig ‘n guru wat flash betref! Dankie vir jou alles wat jy deel.
Karen
Comment by Karen — February 21, 2012 @ 1:35 pm
Hi Neil
I’ve read both ur books – still not confident shooting in manual… Much prefer iTTL..
I shoot with a D300 and have heard that in terms of spending money on a hobby I should start with education, then glass, then flash/light modifiers and finally a camera body.
Would you agree with that?
I’m holding off on the D800 – however I think I need a more powerful flash than the sb-600 so was thinking of the SB-910 or the Nissin Di866 – any thought on what would be better?
Thanks
M
Comment by Martin Spence — February 23, 2012 @ 9:06 am
Thans Neil for all you have done…..for amateurs and professionals ……
Comment by Charles — July 11, 2012 @ 3:40 pm
[...] (because you don’t know how to use flash) to being comfortable in any lighting situation. His Flash Photography Techniques series is how I learned to make flash look good, on or off camera. I recommend it to [...]
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