Flash photography with speedlight

What is the course about?

On this practical course we will explore the effects of flash (both positive and negative) on the quality of photographic images, including freezing action, reducing digital noise, and controlling contrast and colour. You will be working in pairs and small groups on practical exercises both inside the studio and (if you are able) outside in the immediate environment (no more than 5 minutes walk away).

What will we cover?

- Limitations of the built-in camera flash
- Guide number
- Using flash (speedlights) in automatic, semi-automatic and manual mode
- Bounced flash
- Mixing flash with ambient light
- Off-camera flash.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Photograph in and outdoors using on-camera flash
- Use bounce flash indoors effectively to improve the quality of your images
- Use fill in flash
- Mix flash with ambient light to alter contrast
- Use and trigger flash ‘off-camera’.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an intermediate course and suitable for and those who wish to experiment with the creative use of flash. You must be able to use your camera in auto, semi-automatic and fully-manual mode. As such it is ideal for those who have completed our Photography for beginners course. If you haven't don't worry, we just need you to understand ISO, aperture, shutter speed, white balance and how to change these on your digital SLR or bridge camera (i.e. not a point-and-shoot camera). You must have manual functions on your camera (i.e. be able to change the aperture and shutter speed settings).

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and be prepared to take part in group discussion. You should be happy using numbers and able to do simple measurements and calculations.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught using a range of techniques including workshops, short talks, demonstrations, practical individual and group exercises and individual assistance.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring your camera with full manual control and a flash gun (if you have either or both) to the class, and you may wish to bring a notebook and pen. City Lit has a range of digital SLR cameras, tripods, lenses and flash guns which you are welcome to use during the hours of the class.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

City Lit runs over 70 different practical and theoretical photography courses, from wedding and wildlife photography to darkroom processing and using software packages. Browse the website to get inspired.