Sony HVL-LE1 - Manual (Page 8)

Bounce Sheet
Some flashes have a bounce sheet built into the
camera. Bounce sheets make the subject look more
vibrant. They also add catch lights in the subject’s
eyes. In this case, it also removed some of the
shadows present under the subject’s hat.
using
bounce flash
Bounce flash should be used when trying to achieve a more natural look.
We normally see the world with light from above, whether the sun or an overhead
light fixture in the ceiling. Using the camera’s built-in flash normally creates
unnatural highlights on our subject or casts shadows on walls and surfaces
behind our subject.
One of the simplest ways to cut back on harsh shadows in our photograph
is to use a bounce flash.
Point the flash at any reflective surface instead of your subject. Ceilings, walls
and white cards are commonly used. Light emitted from the flash will first hit the
flat reflective object, which will then reflect diffused soft light onto the subject.
This effectively makes our light source larger, which produces soft light and soft,
more natural, shadows.
Without flash
With built-in camera flash
With external flash HVL-F20AM (bounce flash)
On-Camera Flash Basics
Extras
Would you ever use direct flash? While used rarely, direct
flash is effective when there is minimal ambient light
and you do not have any items to bounce light off of.
Photographing a subject with harsh shadows is better
than not photographing the subject at all. No Wall? No Ceiling? You can still bounce your flash when
you do not have a wall or ceiling to work with. Simply use
a large white surface instead. It can be a large card,
reflector or even someone’s white shirt.
What is it?
Technique of reflecting light off of
a nearby surface to change light
direction and soften light source.
How to use it?
• Point your flash to any reflective
surface instead of the subject
• The lighter the surface the
more light will be diffused into
your photo
• Experiment by bouncing your
flash off of walls and different
colored surfaces
Where to use it?
Use bounce flash to create
more natural light and
pleasing shadows.
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