Basic Flash Terms

Lighting plays a large part in product photography. There are many different types to use and each type has it's own acronyms. Flash lighting is just one option. Understanding the terms associated with flash lighting can be like learning a foreign language. Once you understand them it will help you decide which type might be best for your lighting situation. Below is a mini glossary.

Flash Lighting Terminology

FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing):
The subject's flash exposure is bracketed with three consecutive shots (correct exposure, underexposure, overexposure) while the background exposure remains the same.

Diffused Light:
Light can be diffused by placing tracing paper over the light source or bouncing it off a white surface. Diffused light gives soft lighting effects since the light is spread around more. It also reduces contrast.

Bounce Flash:
Bounce flash is created when the flash unit is pointed toward a ceiling or wall so that the flash bounces off before reaching the subject. Since the color of the bounce surface will be reflected, a white or light-color surface is best. Since the light loss is greater with bounce flash than with direct flash, a larger flash aperture should be set.

Pop-up Flash:
This is the mechanism for the built-in flash which pops up from a retracted position. With fully automatic SLR cameras, the built-in flash pops up automatically when necessary.

Preflash:
This is the low-output flash fired before the main flash is fired in synchronization with the shutter. It is used for measuring the subject distance, evaluative metering or reducing red eye.

Recycle Time:
When a flash is fired the capacitor is discharged. The capacitor is then recharged for the next flash. The recycle time is the time the flash capacitor to recharge enough to enable another flash to be fired.

Main Flash:
Normally, the light which it takes the subject over the widest area. It can also be the light which gives the subject dimension r character regardless of how large the illuminated area is.

Modeling Flash:
Before the flash picture is taken, a modeling flash can be fired so that the lighting effects (balance, shadows, etc can be checked beforehand.

Suggestions For Avoiding Red Eye

Turn on the lights
Don't look directly at the camera
Use an off-camera flash
Don't use flash
Correct the red-eye in your photo editing software

Red-eye is more likely to happen in the dark when the pupils are dilated. If you are shooting in the dark, try turning up a few lights. Give your subjects eyes a few minutes to adjust and then shoot the photo. Another trick is to take two flash shots, one right after the other. The first flash serves as a way to get the subjects eyes to close-up. The second flash is the keeper.

Red-eye is more likely to happen if the person looks directly at the camera, so if possible have them look away. If possible give them something to focus on slightly off to the side.

Moving the flash away from the camera, especially off the top at eye level, will greatly reduce the chance of red-eye. So, if possible move use a detachable flash unit.

If the light level is low find a way to support your camera. Tripods are inexpensive and can support your camera for longer exposures without flashes. This will definitely remove red-eye problems. The are for sale for under $20.00 at the clovercitysells store.

If you can't avoid red eye - one last resort would be to correct the red-eye out with photo editing software. Most photo software comes with a simple tool to help.

Good luck!