Flash

I have the best flash that Canon makes, yet I almost never use it.  I choose not to use it, not because it is bad, but I love ambient light. In my opinion natural light is priceless. If I can pull of no flash I will. But there are situations where I either need or want a flash. In my mind they can be grouped into two situations. 

1. Back light. When there is a lot of light behind your subject, they will most likely will be shadowed. A flash can fill that in.

2. Studio like. When I need/ want a larger depth of field, lower ISO or faster shutter speed, I will use a flash. Typically I am trying to imitate a studio-like condition like my second post of the Orchid.

I am not saying flash is bad, but I am not saying it is good either. What I am saying, first and foremost is that you can NOT control your flash or your camera in Automatic. I personally love not using flash, and I will show you how we can take great photos without it. The first thing you must know is don't let your camera decide when to use it or not. The camera is NOT as smart as you are.

TIPS: When taking photos start without a flash. When you are in those two categories then try the flash. Do not rely on it heavily.

When in Program, Shutter or Aperture Priority, or Manual, underexpose your exposure (we'll talk more about this soon), by 1 stop. Put the exposure at -1.o and use a flash and allow it to make up for the difference. Most likely it will give you a perfect balance of natural and flash light.