External Light Source
External Light Source for small subjects. Someone asked awhile ago about using separate light source in dark areas, like in the forest. So I went out into the woods and found these pine cones to photograph for an example.
This first shot is natural light in the forest that works fine, but you might have to increase your ISO a lot to get the proper exposure.
But for this photo below, I used an external light source because I wanted to bring out more of the detail on the pine cone. Which is much easier to do with directional light that I add to a subject. My source of light is a small flashlight. I always carry one with me just for this type of photo.
If my light is to bright for the subject I will put something in front of my flashlight like a piece of paper or plastic. What ever I have in my camera bag. There are all sorts of ways to change the softness of your light source.
I typically do not use the flash on my bridge camera, even though there are settings on it to make a softer light. It still tends to blow out the scene because the flash is mounted on top of the camera.
This is a fun way to change up your photos when taking shots of items in dark areas. Just remember to take a flash light with you on your outings.
This blue jay looks like he wants to hear what I have to say 🙂
External Light Source
32 Replies to “External Light Source”
That blue jay is attentive and waiting for a treat … he says “well she carries a flashlight, perhaps a peanut for me too?”
He sure got his fill of peanuts this month from my feeder. 😊
I like when Blue Jays are waiting in the wings for peanuts. I got down to my last bag of peanuts yesterday. Thought I had a few more bags – oops. But I have a 20-pound bag of shelled peanuts I bought just in case that happened and I will mix them with sunflower seeds. So I have this Kroger free next-day delivery with my Medicare, so today I went to order some of the 5-pound bags of peanuts I use – out of stock. Good thing they had the smaller bags or I would have to walk elsewhere. 🙂
What a great suggestion. I spend the majority of my time in the forest and have recently gotten into photography. Can’t wait to try a flashlight for some photos.
It will make a big difference and if the light is to bright you can put a plastic bag over the flashlight, use a rubber band to hold it on and that will diffuse the light a bit. Or a pice of paper, lots of things work. Or just hold your light a little farther away from the subject. You will have fun with the results.
What a good idea. That blue Jay is adorable.
Thank you very much 😊
What bridge camera do you use?
I have a Panasonic lumix fz1000. I bought it many years ago. It works ok, but I think it has seen its better days.
Thanks!
Beautiful pictures!
Thank you very much 😊
Stunning
Thank you very much 😊
I’m an aim and shoot person, but your tip is great. I intend to try it sometime and maybe I will be able to make a better shot. Thanks Sandra!
You are very welcome Kellye, it really works great with flowers as well.
There is an attachment for external flash called ‘rogue bender’. A very clever kit with a diffuser that slips around the flash. It also has a cover that turns the flash unit into a small soft box (even gel coverings). The cost is minimal. He kit is very versatile. When possible I use it inside old historic sites. Much of the photo documentation I did for the old Charleston Jail was done with a rogue. It’s fun too 😁😁
Nice, I am going to look that one up. I looked up one that I saw on a you tube channel and it cost over 300 dollars, I figured I could by a lot of flashlights with that.
WOW Sandra, I am atonished again.
Thank you, I appreciate that. Having an extra light with can make a difference even outside. 😊
Thank you for sharing the photography tip! Very useful.
You are very welcome 🙂 thank you
The Blue Jay is one of my favorite birds from over there.I love the way you caught it peering.
I really like this bird as well. a lot of people don’t because they tend to push all other birds away from feeders I think. But their blue color is so pretty, I like them. 🙂
I think it was me who asked the question Sandra, so thanks for making a post on this. I need to get a small and light flashlight to put in my camera bag!
Yes, I tried to go back and find your question. I could not remember who asked it. I went out that day after you asked it and had to take some photos showing the difference using the flashlight. It really helps with detail on close up shots. It has been so cloudy here the last few days, the flashlight really comes in handy. 😊
So I see! I’ll let you know how I get on.
❤️💚💙
Thank you 🙂
Photography is amazing, dear Sandra. Maybe I will have time to learn it sometime in this life, with God’s will.
Thank you for sharing, the blue jay is amazing 🤭❤️
Thank you very much, yes photography has a way to open our eyes to so many new things. One can see more detail with a camera then we can see with our eyes. 🙂