Q. “Do you have any suggestions for beginners on shooting indoors with low light (ie, wedding reception)? I hate using a flash because it makes everything so “harsh” but there are times i know it is necessary? what’s the best way to get that natural look back using Lightroom or Photoshop?”
A. As unappealing as it is, sometimes you’ve got to use a flash indoors. You don’t want to risk missing the shot altogether. Even with a very fast, wide open aperture lens, sometimes you have to use a flash. Here are a few things you can do:
- If you’re in a smallish place like a home, the best thing you can do to spread the light naturally is use a LightScoop. They’re super cheap and super effective.
- When using an external flash attached to your hot shoe, you can aim it at a nearby wall to bounce the light. You can also get extension cords where one end is attached to your camera and the other end to your flash and you can hold it out away from your camera at any angle you want. The cord is a coiled one and only stretches a foot or two. You can even get soft boxes to attach to your flash. They’re big, but the light is much more flattering.
- You can use your flash off-camera if your camera has the capability to wirelessly trigger the flash. Then you can have an assistant hold it somewhere else or use a tripod. Or even plant it on a table or something.
- For a wedding, just think quick. The first dance takes a few mins so take a couple shots with the flash facing them and a few pointing the flash in all different directions. This will help you learn how the light behaves for the most natural results. And remember that although not all the shots will be worthy of your website, your clients probably won’t be scrutinising your work the way you do. They’ll just be happy you caught the moments.
- Get to know your flash unit. I regularly turn the power up and down as needed.
As for editing a flash photo to look like a non-flash photo, it can’t be done. Flash completely alters the atmosphere of a photo. Although I’ve found that making a photo B&W can be very forgiving for lessening flash issues.
