Basic Techniques | Flash Modes

There are many different flash modes available on DSLR cameras, today I am going to briefly explain what each one is used for, and how it works, I have included examples of each mode below by using each mode on the same subject matter to demonstrate effectively the difference between each one.

Flash Off:

This is pretty self-explantory, this just means that no form of flash is being used, the picture is being taken with natural lighting, you may often require longer exposures when not using a flash so a tripod may also be required.

Auto:

Automatic flash will be used when the camera feels that more light is needed for the subject, you have very little control with this setting as the camera takes charge.

Fill-Flash:

With this mode selected, the flash will fire throughout each shot you take. This method produces even lighting across the subject and is most succesfully used to fill in dark shadows within the scene, for example lighting up under-eye areas in portrait photography, the underside of trees in nature photography, and so on.

Slow Sync Flash:
This method is mostly used in unison with slow shutter speeds to capture a clear subject and background.

Rear Sync Flash:

When using this mode of flash in unison with long exposures or fast moving subjects, the burst of light will be fired at the end of the exposure rather than the beginning. This is best to show moving subjects, as the trail captured from the natural light before the flash fires will fall behind them in the picture and look more natural. With the flash firing at the beginning the trail will appear in front making the subject look as though it's moving backwards which can seem very unnatural within the image.

Wireless Flash:

This method is selected when using external flash devices, such as softboxes, flashguns, etc, to enable them to fire when you press the shutter on your camera.

Flash Exposure Compensation:

This can be used to alter the intensity of the flash, if it's a bit too harsh for your subject you can take it down a few stops, and if it's too bright then you can bring it up a few stops also. Whether you choose to add any compensation will depend on how you analyse the scene your taking yourself, a decision made through personal preference. This option is usally found within the menu section of your camera.

I have included a grid of images below using a continous subject matter to demonstrate quickly the difference between each flash mode, i hope this helps to highlight the difference between the various modes.

Shutter Speed = 1
Aperture = f/5.6

Shutter Speed = 1/125
Aperture = f/5.6

Shutter Speed =1
Aperture = f/5.6

Shutter Speed = 1
Aperture f/5.6

Shutter Speed =1
Aperture = f/5.6

Shutter Speed = 1
Aperture = f/5.6

Shutter Speed = 4
Aperture = f/13

All images Ⓒ2014HannahBennett










From the images above, you can quite clearly see the difference between the various flashes. I feel that by using the same subject matter, and set-up, throughout each shot this has really helped to emphasize the difference between each style flash.

Which flash mode do you think has worked best? Leave a comment below letting me know! Personally, as this is technically a portrait, despite it being a Polly Pocket figurine, I feel that the fill flash mode, with no light exposure compensation, has worked best as the figurine appears very evenly lit, despite the slight shine on her arm and top which is only really a result of the plastic material she's made out of.

If you'd like even more information and examples of the various types of flash then you can visit this link here, where a similar post has been written about different flash modes.