Bounce that light!

If upgrading from a standard built-in flash on my DSLR to an external flash (the Nikon SB-600, for those interested) has taught me anything, it’s that bouncing the light can create some incredible results. Chances are you may have seen the results of bounced light, even if you don’t necessarily know what it is or how to accomplish it.

In a nutshell, bouncing light requires an external flash, which will allow you to angle light upwards or outwards at a certain angle, and a solid surface to “bounce” the light off of. The idea is that the bounced light will create an all over lighter setting that is smooth and consistent, as opposed to the harsh burst of light provided by a flash aimed directly at the subject that is being photographed.

I prefer to use my bathroom when I’m doing bounce lighting shots. It’s a small room with light-colored walls, which is quite ideal for bouncing. I usually position myself or the subject to be photographed in a corner, and then aim the light right where the two corners meet the ceiling. The result is a “shower” of light that perfectly illuminates the setting. But you can also use large pieces of white paper or a thick sheet to bounce your light off of, or even a smaller piece of paper that is attached directly to the flash itself!

Go ahead — give light bouncing a try! Experiment with various angles and stationery horizontal objects to come up with some creative results.

Filed Under: Tips