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Chapter 9 Action and Event Photography
sensor-type automatic flash control found on
general use (and some dedicated) units.
Dedicated flash units offer many other
features, such as automatic fill-flash and
compensation for different zoom-lens focal
lengths. Features will vary from model to model
and manufacturer to manufacturer; detailed
manuals provide the needed information for
using the flash effectively. Most third-party flash
makers offer special modules that can be used
to provide dedicated operation for some of their
flash units.
Handle-mount flash units
Professional photographers who require
high light output, durability, and the ability to
use different types of power usually will select
the larger handle-mount flash units, Figure 9-48.
Handle-mount units are physically much larger
than shoe-mount types, and are connected to the
camera with a sync cord. They are designed to
be easily attached or detached from an L-shaped
bracket fastened to the camera.
Wedding photographers, and photo-
journalists covering sports or breaking news
stories, need power sources that can provide
numerous full-power flashes. The power source
must also permit fast recycling of the capacitor to
avoid missed photo opportunities. Handle-mount
flash units typically can be used with a number
Figure 9-46. Ringlight flashes provide even lighting
for close-up work. The flash body is mounted on the
camera’s hot shoe. (Porter’s Camera Store)
Figure 9-47. For precise control of flash exposure,
TTL flash units evaluate the amount of reflected light
reaching the camera’s film plane. Once sufficient light
has fallen on the image receiver plane sensor, the flash
is cut off.
Reflected light
strikes sensor
on the image
receiver plane
Figure 9-48. Many professionals use powerful
handle-mount flash units like this one. The high light
output permits photography under low-illumination
conditions. (Sunpak/ToCAD America, Inc.)