Figure 9-54. Alternate methods of bouncing light from
a flash. A—A large square of white card or a photo
umbrella can be used to bounce light onto the subject.
B—A bounce card will reflect most of the flash unit’s
light output toward the subject. A commercial version
in plastic is available, but many photographers make
their own with an index card and a rubber band or tape.
(Porter’s Camera Store)
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Chapter 9 Action and Event Photography
ambient light exposures may be combined. An
example might be a faintly moonlit landscape
with a single feature, such as a tree or plant, that
is given prominence by the use of flash exposure.
See Figure 9-55.
Open flash
Most flash techniques rely on synchroniza-
tion to make sure the flash is triggered while
the shutter is fully open. Open flash requires no
synchronization, since the shutter is held wide
open and the flash triggered manually one or
more times. Obviously, this technique is most
effective when there is little or no ambient light
to cause additional exposure. For effect, flash and
Figure 9-55. Open flash provides many creative
possibilities. In this scene, the shutter was left open long
enough for the overall scene to be exposed by ambient
light; the streaks in the sky are “star trails” resulting
from the long exposure. A single flash provided proper
exposure of the blooming yucca plants to give them
prominence in the scene.
A
B
The technique called painting with light
is an open flash technique. It is typically used
in large, dimly lighted spaces such as church
interiors, or for exterior photos taken at night. The
basic procedure for this technique is to open the
camera lens by using the B (bulb) setting and a
locking cable release, then illuminate the subject
with a series of flashes. Care must be taken to
avoid overlapping the different light bursts to
prevent localized overexposure, and to avoid
silhouetting the person holding the light against
the illuminated background.
Often, this technique is easier to employ
with an assistant, especially when the amount of
ambient light makes it undesirable to leave the
lens open between flashes. With the assistant
handling the flash unit, the photographer
can cover the lens while the flash is being
repositioned. Verbal signals permit the lens to
be uncovered just before the flash is triggered.