Master the Art of Bounce Flash with Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Bounce Flash
3. Understanding Intelligent Bounce Flash
4. Full vs. Semi-Intelligent Mode
5. Using Bounce Flash for Studio Quality Lighting
6. Controlling Bounce Flash for Short Lighting
7. Using Bounce Flash in Different Settings
8. Pros and Cons of the Canon Flash
9. Conclusion
10. FAQ

Using Bounce Flash for Studio Quality Lighting

As a photographer, one of the most important aspects of your work is lighting. Without proper lighting, your photos can look dull and uninteresting. One way to achieve studio quality lighting is through the use of bounce flash. Bounce flash is a technique where you point your flash at a surface, such as a wall or Ceiling, and let the light bounce off that surface to illuminate your subject. This creates a softer, more diffused light that can make your photos look more professional.

To achieve the best results with bounce flash, it's important to use a plastic bounce cap that comes with your flash. This will help to direct the light in the right direction and give you the best possible results. Additionally, you'll want to put some thought into the direction of the bounce flash to ensure that you're getting the desired effect.

Understanding Intelligent Bounce Flash

One of the newest features in flash technology is intelligent bounce flash. This feature is available on the Canon flash and is designed to help photographers achieve better results with their bounce flash. The intelligent bounce flash feature uses two pre-flashes to measure distance and ceiling Height before automatically positioning the flash in the best possible position for the shot.

At first, some photographers may be skeptical of this feature. After all, what can a flash do automatically that a photographer can't do better? However, there are a few features of the intelligent bounce flash that can actually be quite helpful.

Full vs. Semi-Intelligent Mode

There are two modes of intelligent bounce flash: full and semi. The full mode is available on some of the more modern Canon cameras, while the semi mode is available on all Canon cameras. Surprisingly, the semi-intelligent mode is actually more useful for most photographers.

In the full mode, the flash will automatically position itself Based on the distance and ceiling height. However, this can sometimes result in the flash being positioned too high, which can Create dark shadows under the eyes. In the semi mode, the photographer can choose the direction of the bounce flash, which can result in better quality lighting.

Using Bounce Flash for Studio Quality Lighting

One of the best ways to use bounce flash is to achieve studio quality lighting. By bouncing the flash off a surface, You can create a soft, diffused light that can make your photos look more professional. To achieve the best results, it's important to bounce the flash in the direction that you want the light to come from.

Additionally, you'll want to use the semi-intelligent mode on your Canon flash to ensure that you're getting the best possible results. By choosing the direction of the bounce flash, you can create the exact look that you want for your photos.

Controlling Bounce Flash for Short Lighting

Another way to use bounce flash is to create short lighting. Short lighting is a technique where the light is directed at the side of the subject's face that is farthest from the camera. This can create a more dramatic look that can be very effective in portrait photography.

To achieve short lighting with bounce flash, you'll want to control the direction of the bounce flash very carefully. You may need to use a piece of foam or other material to block the light from hitting the subject directly. Additionally, you'll want to position the flash in just the right spot to create the desired effect.

Using Bounce Flash in Different Settings

Bounce flash can be used in a variety of different settings to achieve different effects. For example, you can use bounce flash in an old freight elevator to create a dramatic look. By flipping between horizontal and vertical orientation, you can use the simple intelligent mode to maintain the same bounce angle.

Additionally, you can use bounce flash in different rooms with different colored walls to achieve different effects. By bouncing the flash off a white wall, you can create a softer, more diffused light. By bouncing the flash off a colored wall, you can create a more dramatic look.

Pros and Cons of the Canon Flash

While the Canon flash with intelligent bounce flash is a great option for many photographers, it does have its limitations. For example, the flash is not as powerful as some of the more professional flashes on the market. Additionally, the flash can only be used as a slave in optical mode, which can be limiting for some photographers.

However, for beginner and intermediate photographers, the Canon flash can be a great option. It's well-designed and easy to use, and the intelligent bounce flash feature can help you achieve better results with your bounce flash.

Conclusion

Bounce flash is a powerful tool for photographers who want to achieve studio quality lighting. By bouncing the flash off a surface, you can create a soft, diffused light that can make your photos look more professional. Additionally, the intelligent bounce flash feature on the Canon flash can help you achieve better results with your bounce flash.

While the Canon flash does have its limitations, it can be a great option for beginner and intermediate photographers. With a little practice and experimentation, you can use bounce flash to create stunning photos that will impress your clients and friends.

FAQ

Q: What is bounce flash? A: Bounce flash is a technique where you point your flash at a surface, such as a wall or ceiling, and let the light bounce off that surface to illuminate your subject.

Q: What is intelligent bounce flash? A: Intelligent bounce flash is a feature on the Canon flash that uses two pre-flashes to measure distance and ceiling height before automatically positioning the flash in the best possible position for the shot.

Q: What is short lighting? A: Short lighting is a technique where the light is directed at the side of the subject's face that is farthest from the camera. This can create a more dramatic look that can be very effective in portrait photography.

Q: Can the Canon flash be used as a slave in radio mode? A: No, the Canon flash can only be used as a slave in optical mode.

Q: Is the Canon flash powerful enough for professional use? A: While the Canon flash is a great option for beginner and intermediate photographers, it may not be powerful enough for professional use.