Flash Photography

[adam69]

Can anyone help please!!!
I am a novice photographer with a main interest in nature in particular birds.
When using flash mode is there a secret to avoiding the flash reflection in the subjects eyes.
I have taken some good shots but noticed that the shot is ruined by this reflection.
Can this be altered in Adobe 7?
Many Thanks
Adam

[RTaylor]

Hi Adam,

First, just to let you know, I moved your message post out of the Inspirational photography instruction forum
That forum is set up just for the monthly articles.

I moved it to the Digital photography area hoping more members will see your questions.

Do you use an on board flash?
I know the couple times I have shot people for a magazine, I used my SB800 flash and angled it towards the ceiling so it would bounce the light off the ceiling instead of directly in the subjects eyes.

As for Photoshop, some other members might be able to help you with trying to fix what you have already taken.

[adam69]

Hi thanks for moving my post into the correct forum , I am using the inbuilt flash on my Cannon 40D ,but I think your point of angling the camera/flash would be worth a try.
Many Thanks

[RTaylor]

not so sure you can angle the flash with an built in flash, but I guess its worth a try.

[risenson]

Adam, don't knowhow yhou would angle the flash on yor 40D, but you might throw a kleenex over the flash. It iwll take some of the brightness out of the shot, and hopefully the reflection you see in the birds eyes too.

[RTaylor]

I forgot to mention, circular polarizers help with elimnating reflections.
You just have to be sure you turn the filter until you see the reflection lessen.

[adam69]

Just a quick note to thank everyone for replying to my query when the rain stops!!! I will try them out.
As a novice to this forum I find it very helpful and the depth of knowledge amongst it's members is fantastic, thanks for sharing it.
Adam

[RTaylor]

you're welcome Adam, glad to help as I know Chris is as well.
We have a great bunch of photographers here at Bytephoto

[JPope42]

Hi Adam,

Chris offered good advice with the tissue trick. I assume yo mean the "red eye" effect, which is caused by light reflecting from the subject's eyes. It's pretty difficult to resolve when using an on-camera flash. As Ruth mentioned, an off camera flash that can be angled is the best solution. It also give a more natural lighting effect, especially after a little practice.

I'm not sure about Photoshop 7 (I assume that's what you mean by Adobe 7), but later versions have a red eye reduction filter. This may be your next best alternative if you don't have a separate flash avaiable.

Cheers,