Those Blasted Pop-Up Flashes

 

Shot With Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 by nonnit on mu-43.com

Image Source: http://www.mu-43.com/f43/portraits-using-gf3-one-popup-flash-36944/

 
Anyone who's used one knows the limitations of those little pop-up flashes that are built into your cameras. Nearly every photography seminar I've attended tells you to leave them down, rip them off, whatever, don't use them. On a few exceptions, I've been told to use them the opposite of your first thought: turn them off inside or in low light, use them outside or in bright light for fill-in flash.
 
Those little flashes have a few major problems. First, they're small. That means they have low light output, and are only good close up to your subject, if you're relying on them as the main light in picture. Second, they are built-in. That means that they're optimally placed to give you "red eyes" in your subject, as the light coming from the flash reflects directly back into your lens. Finally, they give very harsh light. This is a result of them being very small sources (nearly point sources) of light, and being directly aimed at the subject. They can really make a nice-looking person ugly.
 
So, what are they good for? If you can dial down the intensity, they're fine for fill-in flash in otherwise good lighting. For example, if you're taking outdoor pictures in strong midday light, that little flash can fill in those deep black shadows under your subject's eyes, and provide a little catch-light at the same time.
 
They can also be used to trigger other flashes wirelessly.
 
nonnit on mu-43.com demonstrated both in his recent post of images shot with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3.
 
(Click Here) to see nonnit's post on mu-43.com
 
So, don't literally rip that little flash off of your camera; just use it very carefully.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

One of My Favorite Local Bands - Jake and the Burtones

 

Jake and the Burtones, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Pana-Leica Summilux 25mm f1.4

iso 800, f2.8, 1/60 sec, Nissin Di466 flash (bounced)

Jake and the Burtones are a local band here in Northern Virginia. I saw them last Friday night in Purcellville, at Market Street Coffee. If you're in the area, this is a very casual, relaxed place to hang out, and especially rewarding when these guys are playing. They call it "Loudoun's Living Room," which I think is appropriate.

(Click Here) to go to Market Street's homepage for directions and information.

Jake and the Burtones is made up of (left to right) Josh Cava, Jack Pugh, and Tmony Griffin (no Jake among them). They have gained some familiarity with me now, getting used to the old guy with the cameras that always smiles when they indulge him with a set of Grateful Dead cover tunes. I'm still hoping for that "Brokedown Palace" someday...

(Click Here) to see Jake and the Burtones' facebook page.

On this occasion, I took the opportunity to ask them for one posed shot during their break, photographing them from the inside of the door, which included a flyer for their show:

 

Jake and the Burtones, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Pana-Leica Summilux 25mm f1.4

iso 1600, f2, 1/100 sec

 
This is a hard-working band. Be sure and tip them on your way out!

Jake and the Burtones, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Leica Summarit 5cm f1.5 LTM (1953)

iso 1600, f-stop not recorded, 1/125 sec

The shot above was made with the first Leica lens I ever owned. The Summarit 5cm is a Sonnar design, from what I understand. It's not the sharpest tool in the shed, but it sure has character. I love the out of focus highlights.

Thanks for another fun night in the neighborhood, boys. See you next time.

DMC-365.blogspot.com