Camera skills Improve flash exposures

Simple steps to take when you’re using a flashgun to illuminate your still-life set-up

Wireless control

Flashguns with tilt-and-swivel heads allow you to bounce the light off a nearby wall, but taking the flashgun off-camera gives you more creative options. You may even be able to control the flashgun directly on your camera’s rear display.

Soften the light

Use an umbrella to spread and soften the light from an off-camera flashgun, either by bouncing the light from its interior, or firing the flash through it. A softbox will give the light more of a directional quality, as well as softening it.

Make your own

You don’t necessarily have to splash out on a purpose-built light modifier, as there are plenty of household objects that can help you soften and shape the light. I often reach for this piece of laptop packaging, as it’s so quick to use.

Zoom out

Another technique for softening the light is to zoom the head of the flashgun out to a wider setting, which spreads the flash illumination over a wider area. Alternatively, zoom to a narrower setting to highlight specific areas of your still-life.