Importance of Flash in Photography – Compared to Ambient Light
In this video we will be learning about the importance of using flash in photography when compared to using ambient or natural light. The learning will also partially make you understand why to use flash instead of continuous light.
Because what you will see is that using a flash enables us to expose both the subject and the background optimally. And it also allows us to use a lower ISO, thereby reducing the amount of noise in the image. Here’s the video:
Video Summary
This video by Creative Pad Media explains the fundamental importance of using an external flash (Speedlight) to balance exposure between a subject and its environment.
Key Takeaways from the Video:
- The Problem with Ambient Light: When shooting a subject against a bright background (like a window), relying solely on ambient light forces a compromise [01:13]. You either get a well-exposed background with a dark subject, or you overexpose the background to make the subject visible [02:09].
- Balancing Exposure with Flash: Using a flash allows you to set your camera for the background first [03:39]. Once the environment looks correct, the flash provides the necessary light to illuminate the subject independently, resulting in a balanced shot where both are clearly visible [04:40].
- Reducing Image Noise: Without a flash, photographers often have to use high ISO settings (e.g., ISO 4000) to brighten the scene, which introduces grain and noise [05:29]. A flash provides enough light to keep the ISO low (e.g., ISO 250), ensuring a “clean” and sharp image [05:45].
- Avoiding the “Flashy” Look: The tutorial notes that pointing a flash directly at a subject creates harsh, unflattering light [06:11]. The instructor suggests using the external flash’s tilting head to “bounce” light off walls or ceilings for a softer, more professional look [06:55].
Important Links
This video is from our Photography for Beginners course, which has 45 videos and 7 hours of video content. You can access the full course via Udemy, using the link below:
Photography for Beginners course
