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DIGITAL SNAPSHOTS
Learn how to operate camera’s flash
setting
By PETER WEINBERGER
Understanding when and how to adjust your
camera's flash settings, while knowing its limitations, is a
key ingredient to successful picture taking. Here are
guidelines on how these settings work.
Where to find flash settings
There are four common settings for the
flash that can be adjusted by pushing the button labeled by a
small lightning bolt. They are auto, flash-off, flash-on
(fill-flash) and red-eye reduction. Check your camera manual
for the exact icons when adjusting.
Auto setting
This setting works for the majority of
picture taking. The camera will automatically fire the flash in
low light situations. Keep in mind the flash is only powerful
enough to light subjects no more than 12-14 feet away.
Flash-on or fill-flash
Using fill-flash outside in bright sun is a
technique I highly recommend for reducing harsh shadows. On
this setting, the flash always fires and will expose the image
correctly, regardless of the lighting.
Turning the flash off
There will be cases where you may not want
the harsh light created by a flash. To avoid motion blur, be
careful your shutter speed does not drop below 1/30th of a
second.
Red-eye reduction
When natural light is low, red eyes are
caused by the large increase of light when the flash is fired.
The red-eye reduction setting simply fires a low beam of light
at the subject before the flash goes off. I recommend using
this setting, but it will cause an increase in the shutter
delay.
Advanced tip
Your flash works best at 100 ISO. At 200 or
400, there is a greater risk of overexposure, especially when
getting closer to your subjects.
