Often, the most effective use of your flashgun is off-camera. In other words, the flash is not sitting on the camera’s hotshoe, but is physically disconnected.

How the flash synchronises with the camera differs from system to system. Sometimes, synchronisation is often achieved by using specially designed cords or leads which plug either into the camera’s PC flash connection or to the hotshoe itself.

With dedicated flash systems, the manufacturer often provides the means by which the flash can be off camera and retain full dedication without having any cords or leads at all. One of these is Nikon’s famous iTTL system. Investigate for yourself the systems that are compatible with your equipment.

By having the flash off camera, more natural lighting is achieved and greater control over the image is granted. Simply changing the direction, distance and intensity of the flash can also make variations of the same image. Sometimes, it can even stand in when there is no sun.

Depending on how you expose the ambient light, dynamic lighting effects can be created. Using coloured gels on the flash and altering your DSLR’s colour temperature settings can also produce colourful and evocative images. For instance, set your colour temperature settings to tungsten when outside, and use orange cellophane over your flash to compensate for the  blueness. Underexpose the ambient by one or two stops and you will find your subject illuminated by off camera camera flash in a cold, blue setting in which they stand out.

Off camera flash is a technique for modern photographers to master. It is not difficult and can stand in for that elusive sun when you need it to.

Shelton Muller is a professional photographer based in Melbourne, Australia. He can be contacted at shelton@total-image.com.au

Related:

Entry was posted on Tuesday, January 1st, 2008 at 8:17 pm under Digital SLR, Tutorials - flash, Tutorials - lighting.

Read more entries by Shelton Muller.