articles/Spring/springupon-page4

Spring is upon us - part 4 of 1 2 3 4 5 6

by Jon Ashton Published 01/06/2012

Flash, of course, can prove very useful - provided it is used in a complimentary manner. From my perspective, a successful image using flash would be one in which it was in no way apparent that flash was used.

I use it just to fill in any shadows and eliminate potential colour casts. In general if the image is going to be taken at flash synchronisation speed or slower I use the flash at -1.66 EV. If I am using faster shutter speeds I remember to use High Speed Synch Flash or alternatively I use manual flash at a lower power setting - I would suggest 1/16 power as a starting point. I always use a Stofen flash diffuser this provides even, diffused lighting , it is also a relatively cheap accessory - I highly recommend it. The aforementioned guidelines apply to an old Canon 550 EX flash gun, check the guide number of your gun and set it accordingly.

Ok, we have the photographic gear to go and capture images but before we go charging off let's consider a couple of things first. I think it pays to be decisive, so whilst it can prove useful to take all your photographic gear with you, it makes sense to consider precisely what your intentions are for the day and thus optimise your load.

Other Accessories

Filters, I use only one and that sparingly; it is the polarising filter. I find this useful when taking shots near water or when chitinous bodies reflect a lot of light. The main problem is that it is difficult to rotate the filter when the lens hood is in place and I do not like using any lens without a lens hood. I find a rucksack type bag more useful, this means I can take it with me and I don't have to keep putting it down, (for example if you are in an area where there may be other people you would want to keep your equipment close by), also the terrain may be such that placing a bag on water-logged ground would not be such a great idea.

Plastic bags or kneeling mats are very useful items to have with you,

especially in wet or marshy areas. I have tried knee pads but generally speaking I have found them less than perfect, tending to slip out of position or become water-logged.

Please Note:
There is more than one page for this Article.
You are currently on page 4

• Spring is upon us page 1
  
• Spring is upon us page 2
  
• Spring is upon us page 3
  
• Spring is upon us page 4
  
• Spring is upon us page 5
  
• Spring is upon us page 6
  

Contact Jon Ashton

1st Published 01/06/2012
last update 18/07/2022 16:31:48

More Spring Articles

There are 0 days to get ready for The Society of Photographers Convention and Trade Show at The Novotel London West, Hammersmith ...
which starts on Wednesday 14th January 2026