Tips on getting better results with built in flash?

Thump wrote:
: I have an ol' Canon S330. Just a basic point and shoot camera but I'm
: enjoying exploring it within it's limitations until I can afford a
: unit with the features I want.

: I was wondering if anyone had any hints/tips/tricks on how to make
: pics taken using the built in flash a bit less harsh. I know I can
: photoshop the pics afterwards, but I prefer to get them as nice as I
: can initially.

: This camera doesn't have the facility to trigger a remote flash and I
: avoid using the flash as much as possible. While I get some good
: results in low light conditions, there are occasions when a flash is
: necessary.

: Thanks

: Thump

Two thoughts. Explore the prime distance. The flash tends to make things
too close washed out. And things too far are too dark. But if you can
discover the best distance for this flash it could be like "goldilocks'
porridge", just right.

The second thought involves dispersing the flash. Either stick some paper
over the flash to "soften" it, or use some heavy card stock to bounce the
light up toward a ceiling or off a nearby light colored wall. The
dispersing of the light as well as the additional distance covered (to and
from the wall) may help soften the harsh light. BTW, be aware that some
flash units get hot with use, and repeted flashes can cause a buildup of
heat. So if you use any paper or card light softener (either that the
flash goes through or that it bounces off), make sure to check it
frequently for heat. Nothing disturbs a fun photo session worse than when
the camera (and possibly the photographer) catch fire.

Randy

==========
Randy Berbaum
Champaign, IL
 >> Stay informed about: Tips on getting better results with built in flash? 

"Thump" wrote in message

>I have an ol' Canon S330. Just a basic point and shoot camera but I'm
> enjoying exploring it within it's limitations until I can afford a
> unit with the features I want.
>
> I was wondering if anyone had any hints/tips/tricks on how to make
> pics taken using the built in flash a bit less harsh. I know I can
> photoshop the pics afterwards, but I prefer to get them as nice as I
> can initially.
>
> This camera doesn't have the facility to trigger a remote flash and I
> avoid using the flash as much as possible. While I get some good
> results in low light conditions, there are occasions when a flash is
> necessary.

Don't use the built-in flash as a flash at all, but as a fill light for
people's faces in sunlight. In situations where you might ordinarily use
flash, bump the iso, use software to clean up the nose and expect to toss
most of your images. The ones that do turn out will be golden. Or use it
as a trigger for a bounce slave flash.
--
Mike Russell
www.curvemeister.com/forum/
 >> Stay informed about: Tips on getting better results with built in flash? 

1. Some point and shoot cameras (Sony H2 an H5 ) have the ability to choose
the level of flash power. See if your camera has that option and if, so,
lower the flash power.

2. go to Ebay and type in "slave flash" You can add a bounce or other flash
that is triggered by your own flash ( especially if you can dial the
on-camera flash's power down.

3. I cut up a plastic bathroom size semi-translucent drinking cup and I
slip it over the pop-up flash, held with a little tape or a rubber band. It
diffuses the light very well.

regards, RichG
 >> Stay informed about: Tips on getting better results with built in flash? 

In article , RE-
MOVEmike DeleteThis @Curvemeister.comRE-MOVE says...
>
>"Thump" wrote in message
>
>>I have an ol' Canon S330. Just a basic point and shoot camera but I'm
>> enjoying exploring it within it's limitations until I can afford a
>> unit with the features I want.
>>
>> I was wondering if anyone had any hints/tips/tricks on how to make
>> pics taken using the built in flash a bit less harsh. I know I can
>> photoshop the pics afterwards, but I prefer to get them as nice as I
>> can initially.
>>
>> This camera doesn't have the facility to trigger a remote flash and I
>> avoid using the flash as much as possible. While I get some good
>> results in low light conditions, there are occasions when a flash is
>> necessary.
>
>Don't use the built-in flash as a flash at all, but as a fill light for
>people's faces in sunlight. In situations where you might ordinarily use
>flash, bump the iso, use software to clean up the nose and expect to toss
>most of your images. The ones that do turn out will be golden. Or use it
>as a trigger for a bounce slave flash.
>--
>Mike Russell
>www.curvemeister.com/forum/
>
Kia Ora
This is how I use a flash on my Ricoh R3, have attached a small slave unit to
my SunpaK G4500 and it reads the flash off the Ricoh without fail.
Of course I have to use Manual for amount of flash, usually throttling it
right back & with a dispersing box & bouncing it off the ceiling if inside.
Built in flash by itself is very restricted. I like having more GRUNT!
Mac
 >> Stay informed about: Tips on getting better results with built in flash? 

On Feb 5, 1:58 am, Randy Berbaum
wrote:
> The second thought involves dispersing the flash. Either stick some paper
> over the flash to "soften" it, or use some heavy card stock to bounce the
> light up toward a ceiling or off a nearby light colored wall.

I second this idea. I previously posted that I had very good results
with a point and shoot fixed flash by holding a white card just below
the flash at ~45 degree angle. This bounces the light over the subject.
 >> Stay informed about: Tips on getting better results with built in flash?