[Don Hoey]

As this is a subject that can be a bit daunting for new commers to the hobby, or those who have only experienced the latest Multi-pattern TTL systems that give perfect exposures, but wish to venture further, I thought I would start in a new thread.

This has come out of an idea that Rob has to boost his available light for photographing garden birds.

I am no expert on the subject, so no doubt you will chime in if I get it wrong. It is one of the more daunting aspects of the hobby though, so the intention on this thread is to do a bit of demistifying.

I thought I would post some info as graphics so interested parties can save bits of interest on their PC's. As this is a subject on which you could write a book I will post in digestible slugs.

Most modern day cameras have a flash fitted and exposure is controlled in camera. What a lot of people do not realise is how low powered these are and with very limited range. For those with an SLR you can spend serious cash getting the latest ' bees knees ' job to give you more power but if it is only to be used occasionally would you get one, or could you even afford it.

Raw flash should be considered as a bright pin point of light. You can liken it to the sun on a bright day, as that is also a very bright point source of light that gives harsh shadows. When partialy obscured by cloud it is not so bright and any shadows are far softer. Totally overcast gives no shadows as there is no longer a key light, and light on a subject is coming from all around. All of this can be achieved with flash.

Don