Nikon SB-16 - Bounce Flash Photography

-PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES-confinued- ---- -----1:
Diffusing the Light
Light is what gives form to solid objects. If the fla sh is
pOinted directly at the subject and located near the lens,
the subject will look flat because of the lack of shadow
s.
However, if the fla sh is moved off- axi s, shadows stari to
appear on the side opposite the light source, thus giving
the impression of roundness. But because the light still
comes directly from the flash. the shadows are harsh
a
nd unattractive. 8y diffusing the li ght, you can eliminate
the harsh shadows, making snapshots and portraits
much more attractive.
There are two ways
to diffuse light : you can either
bounce the light off a broad ref
le ctive surface, such as
the ceiling or walls, or use a diffuser between fla sh
and subject.
Bounce flash photography
With the 88 - 16 's main flash he ad tilted back and/or
rotated, the light travels directly to the ceiling or wall and
then bounces back to the subject. Acting
as a broad re-
flector, the ceiling or wall scrambles the direction of the
light rays, making the lighting diffused and much more
natural looking. 8ecause the 88-16's secondary flash
head faces straight ahead,
it provides a small amount of
direct illumination
to fill in unflattering shadows around
the eyes and creates a catchlight for the eyes.
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