Shedding Light on Flash: Beyond the Harsh Pop

If you've been following our exploration of light in photography (and if not, be sure to check out our post "On Light"!), you know that understanding the quantity of light available is fundamental. Photographing in low-light situations presents unique challenges, often pushing the limits of our equipment and skills. This naturally leads us to the topic of flash photography. While the concept isn't new – imagine photographers of the 1800s igniting volatile chemicals for a burst of illumination! – thankfully, the technology has evolved significantly.

However, even with modern advancements, not all flash produces aesthetically pleasing results. In my experience, there's a distinct divide: flash equipment that creates beautiful light and flash equipment that... well, doesn't. Often, the built-in or basic on-camera flash falls into the latter ca ...