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Avoiding a flash all together is usually the choice of most photographers, but, sometimes you need a flash in low light or to get rid of annoying shadows. The only problem is that using a flash can cause red eyes, shiny spots on subjects (see picture below for example), and harsh, flat lighting. Bouncing your flash is a good strategy to avoid these side effects.
A Flash Built for Bounce
Before you can bounce you have to have a flash that will work with this technique. You will need either a separate flash unit or a flash that is connected to your camera that has the ability to tilt and swivel. A built-in flash won’t work for bouncing.
Something to Bounce From
First, you need to find an object to bounce the flash off of. The object should be white and flat. Ceilings and walls are usually a good choice, but you can also use sheets, large pieces of cardboard, or panels of fabric.
Anything you choose to bounce from must be very close to the subject or you will lose a lot of the light from the flash.
Bouncing from the Ceiling
Ceiling bounces are the easiest to perform. Make sure the ceiling is white and fairly low over your subject. Tilt your flash to a 75 degree angle toward the ceiling with your camera pointing at your subject. Take your picture like normal. Look to make sure that the bounce isn’t causing any shadows under the eyes and chin since the light is coming from above. If you are getting some unwanted shadows, try the behind-the-back wall bounce, below.
Behind-the-Back Wall Bounce
This bounce is a little trickier, but it gets rid of all annoying shadows.
First, make sure that you have a white wall behind you to bounce off of. Position your flash to 45 degrees behind you with your camera pointing at the subject. The flash will probably need to be pointed over your shoulder. Make sure no one is behind you and take your picture.
The Side Wall Bounce
In this bounce you simply position your flash 90 degrees to the side and bounce the flash off of a wall that is beside you. This will give you some great, dramatic lighting from the side.
Bouncing Off Objects
Bouncing off of objects is a great choice if you don’t have any walls or ceilings close at hand. Have a friend hold the white, flat object to the side, above, or behind you and position your flash so that the light will hit the object, bounce off, and hit your subject. Angles are a big part of this, so it may take some experimentation to get it right.
Next time you have to use a flash, remember to try bouncing to soften the effects and make a prettier picture.