![]()
flash photography techniques
~ intro page ~ natural looking flash
![]()
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.
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.
- The photos on the next few pages are mostly 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 just 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, or am currently still using the Nikon D3, D700, D2x, D2H, D200, D100, Canon 1Dmk3, 1Dmk2, 1Dmk2N, Canon 5D and Fuji S2. - 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 just as valid for film cameras.
- Also, the images here had very little to no 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 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.)
- 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.
Also be sure to read the other entries on the Tangents blog. I continually add new material there. At the bottom of each page, there is a link back to the previous entries. 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.
To delve further into the postings on this site that specifically deals with flash photography,
the flash photography category would be a good start.
There’s also a resource page for off-camera flash photography techniques and tips.
![]()
The Book on On-Camera Flash Photography
|
I’m very happy to announce that my book on flash photography techniques for on-camera speedlights, is now available for purchase on Amazon. You can also order an autographed copy directly from me. The book is based on the articles published on this website, but I extended it with material I present at workshops … and then fleshed it further into a cohesive and thorough approach to getting the best from your on-camera speedlight. Particular care was taken to present it all with a logical flow in the hopes that it will all progressively help the reader attain a better understanding of flash photography. |
![]()
So let’s go! Making flash not look like flash
![]()
![]()
If you need more direct help or instruction on flash photography, I do present workshops and seminars, and I also offer individual tutoring sessions.
If you feel that you have benefited from these webpages, then ordering equipment and other goodies through the sponsors and affiliates, would be a welcome way of helping towards the cost of hosting these webpages. Thanks!
![]()



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