Light intensity and light sources are crucial in determining the kind of visual impact your photo can bring. Simply put, the way light is distributed across a photo could be the difference between one that is well captured and one that isn't. Light is obviously essential for clarity but moreover, light is what draws focus to your subjects and creates the mood for your photo. You might not always have the power to control your surrounding light but you can always use a flash to brighten areas when and where you need it.

The Misconceptions of Flash
If you are one who doesn't believe in the use of flash, that's understandable. We've seen the evils that flash can do to a picture, like seeing colours washed out, paling of faces, demonic red eyes and casting of unwanted shadows, it can be an absolute eyesore. However, this is often the result of a built-in flash or flash directed head on. The best of flash photography is usually seen when using an external flash. In general, people stray from using flash because many feel as though a more natural photo can be achieved by not using one. Some also feel that clarity can be achieved alternatively, such as by using large aperture settings, high ISO settings and slow shutter speeds. However this often proves to be limiting and disruptive to your photographic output, which then makes the use of flash necessary and dependable.

Why External Flash?
Almost every camera comes with a built-in flash and while it does serve its purpose, it poses many drawbacks. The flash range is usually short, positioned close to the lens and projects harsh lighting head on in one direction and in one concentrated spot. It's a recipe for hideous photos, ones that look flat, artificial and washed out, and it's also a cause for red-eyes. That's why one should consider an external flash. They are much more powerful in their flash power and provide much better results. Since the flash head can be swiveled or rotated, photographers are able to bounce the flash off a wall or ceiling. Through this method, a much softer light is achieved to brighten up your scene or subject. Those in front of the camera are also able to feel more at ease since the light isn't pointed straight into their eyes.

Bouncing Flash
Bouncing flash has many advantages and when using an external flash indoors, you are able to bounce flash off the walls or ceilings to illuminate evenly a scene with depth. As natural light comes mainly from the sun, light rays are bounced off numerous objects to illuminate a scene, the same effect is achieved by bouncing light emitted from a flash unit. This creates a more diffused and natural light on the whole scene and allows your photo to appear more natural. Since light is not directed straight at your subject, red eye is not an issue and harsh shadows are avoided.

However, there are also instances where bouncing light is not possible or advisable. Bouncing light won't be possible when you're in the outdoors or in the open. Also, when you're trying to bounce light, you must keep in mind that the light must be able to travel far enough to be bounced off the wall. The bounce itself will absorb a bit of light so the light must travel further. Light can be lossed. When encountering a smoke-filled room, it may be best not to bounce light since smoke reflects light and will disrupt the way light travels.

Examples of Bouncing Techniques

1.Bounce off the Ceiling An easy way of gaining more light indoors is to point the flash into the ceiling and let it fall on to the subject and background. This gives the most natural appearance. 2. Reverse Ceiling Bounce Tilt the flash 45 degrees backwards and let the flash hit the wall and ceiling behind you. This will give you a soft diffused light right up in front of your subjects. 3. Bounce off a Wall Position the flash to hit the walls at a 90 degree angle sideways, this returns a diffused light coming back one side from a wall and leaving the other slightly in dimmer light. This adds both character and depth to your photo.

4. Bounce off a Reflector
Anytime you're in the outdoors and lacking a wall or object to bounce your flash, you can always purchase a reflector as your substitute. This way, you can have the flash bounced anywhere you desire, just as long as you have someone to hold the reflector for you or somewhere for it to be propped up. Even without a reflector, you can use a board as your substitute even though it won't bounce light as effective.

5. Bounce off a Person
Even if you haven't got a reflector to bounce your flash, you could always try a person as your human reflector. It's all the better when the person is wearing white for better light reflection. However, it is always advisable to bounce the flash off a person's back to avoid leading to discomfort.

Flash can do wonders for your photography and an external flash is a great accessory to have for your DSLR, it's an indispensable tool for professionals and when used properly, you are able to reel in superb results you otherwise would not get with non-flash. There are many benefits to using an external flash and the most obvious reason could be the greater control over the lighting situation. Since lighting is controlled, you are also free to shoot at either higher or lower shutter speeds and able to shoot at lower ISO settings for the greater image quality.