Michael Gatch

I want to start off by saying that I am not a fan of flash. I avoid using flash like the plague because I feel it ruins the atmosphere. Ambient lighting is much more attractive than images captured with flash, especially the usual pop up flash of most D-SLR cameras. Shooting bands in basements and garages has forced me to find ways of retaining some atmosphere, while still being able to get the clarity I need in my photos.

Over the last couple months most of the local bands have to to expect great photos from me regardless of the lighting. I always meter first and get the white balance where I need it and ask that the bands that want photos taken keep the lights on for at least one song so that I can get some photos with available light. Time after time I find I like the atmosphere much more in the available light shots.

The problem is bands tend to play in the dark, and when they don’t, the lighting is still miserably inadequate. Well, the pop up flash can be used to retain some of that atmosphere and appear almost as available light when used right. In the dark, the camera will strobe the flash to assist focusing. This is a good opportunity to preview something else. You can direct the light from your pop up flash very easily with your hand. The strobing will show you what areas you are shadowing with your hand and allow you to illuminate exactly what you want to.

Try different positions and contortions with your hand to direct the flash light where you need it in different situations. Like where the flash will hit something in the foreground that you don’t want in the shot and cause the rest to be underexposed. Just cup your hand over the flash and force it to shadow that obstruction to eliminate it from the shot and create a more effective atmosphere. It can also help when you plan to do some post processing and make a certain subject the focus of an image.