On the bounce

Here’s how to ensure your bounce flash works flawlessly every time

01 Fresh batteries

Bounce flash needs around four times more power than direct flash. Use fresh batteries and take spares so that the flashgun recycles quickly.

02 Increased ISO

Don’t leave the ISO set at 100. To prolong your battery life, project the flash further, and speed up recycle times, boost it to at least ISO400.

03 RAW power

Colour balance, contrast and exposure issues are common with flash. Shoot in RAW (or RAW + JPEG) to make it easier to correct problems later on.

04 Do it yourself

Not all flashguns have a built-in bounce card, but you can get exactly the same result by attaching a small rectangle of white card to your flash with a rubber band.

05 White paper

When it comes to vertical shots, the bounce card will be in the wrong place. Try holding a sheet of white paper or card behind the flash head instead.