Flash Photography

The diploma thesis addresses the use of flash in photography. Every photographer encounters situations where external factors do not allow optimal lighting for producing quality photographs. Modern flashes enable the creation of brilliant results. A whole range of different cameras with built-in flashes is in use.

Problem

The diploma thesis addresses the use of flash in photography.

Solution and Method

Every photographer encounters situations where external factors do not allow optimal lighting for producing quality photographs. Flashes are used for this purpose.

Results

Modern flashes enable the creation of brilliant results. A whole range of different cameras with built-in flashes is in use. Thus, the quality of photographs depends on the choice of options that enable refined control over flash operation and achieving optimal results.

Professional photographers in particular often resort to external flashes. Amongst the most commonly used are dedicated and studio flashes. Modern higher-priced cameras already have built-in capability for using wireless flashes.

The diploma thesis is divided into theoretical and practical parts. The theoretical part presents the concept of flash and its structure. The following sections present types of flashes and their modes of operation.

Built-in, dedicated and studio flashes are explained. Amongst the modes of operation, slow synchronisation is highlighted, which denotes a combination of long exposure time and flash. Slow synchronisation enables good illumination of the foreground whilst simultaneously capturing background details.

The light flash illuminates the subject in the foreground, whilst the long exposure ensures that the poorly lit background is also clearly visible. Second curtain synchronisation is also frequently used, which enables the flash to fire at the end of the exposure before the second curtain begins to close. It is used for photographing moving objects.

When taking portraits in daylight, the photographer can opt for additional illumination of the face with flash, thereby removing shadows whilst simultaneously creating light reflections in the eyes. The effectiveness of flash can be improved with use, which is presented in the final part of the diploma thesis. The practical part of the diploma thesis is based on original research into the use of flashes.

Photographs are presented that were taken using a Nikon D 750 camera in various environments. The photographs were taken with a built-in flash and a dedicated Nikon sb-700 flash, taking into account different flash operating modes and the use of various accessories for improving photograph quality.