4. BOUNCE THE FLASH
Control the direction, softness and spread of light by bouncing flash from your speedlight
It is possible to use the flash from speedlights to infill shadows and create soft light without setting up umbrellas or softboxes. Bouncing flash rather than pointing it directly at the subject will soften and spread the light. It is in essence taking a small light source and spreading it out. Hard light often creates hard unflattering shadows, so bouncing flash helps soften the shadows on your subject without the use of modifiers.
In theory you can bounce off any light surface but white is preferable, as the colour of the surface will create a colour cast. Also the distance of the surface to the flash will affect the intensity of the light on the subject. Each situation will be different and depending on the look of the image, combining flash power with aperture, shutter speed and ISO will create varying effects.
The flash unit can be on or off the camera when you bounce it, but typically having it oncamera will give you less control over direction and shape. Angling the flash to bounce off a wall to the side of the subject will help shape light on the face and create shadows for less ‘flat’ images. Bouncing it more centrally off a ceiling can create a more even spread of light.
Taking the flash off-camera will allow more control over the direction and intensity. Being able to move and angle the surface you are bouncing off will also give you more control. Typically using reflectors on location is an easy way to do this.
Bouncing flash can be particularly useful when you want softer shadows and don’t have the time or space to set up modifiers, or if you are working quickly and don’t need to shape the light too precisely.
In these examples I use bounced flash to create portraits indoors and outdoors. I have chosen to balance the natural light with the bounced flash, creating a more natural look. The flash infills the shadows and helps create flattering portraits while avoiding the ‘deer in headlights’ look that direct flash can give when not used correctly.