Flash Photography

[TheOtherHalf]

I want to be able to take photos in dark conditions, but everytime I do, the flash light appears in the photo and spoils it. I only have a basic £150 Nikon digital camera. Does anyone have any ideas or tips

[jno]

how do you mean it appears in the photo? If you're photographing something with glass in it, this will reflect the flash.

Has your camera got a setting to increase the exposure (ie the shutter stays open longer and lets more light in)? Or a setting for night scenery? Have a browse among your menus.

If you don't use flash you'd need a steady hand or something to rest the camera on, though.

[TheOtherHalf]

Not a camera expert jno, I will have to take a look or dig out the instructions. Some I have tried to take of reflections in glass or stainless steel etc. That must be why. thanks

[bibblebub]

Most cameras usually have a setting for the flash whereby you can have always it turned on or always turned off or auto i.e. let the camera decide based on the light level, and quite often they have more than just those 3 settings.

[jno]

if you step back further then zoom in with the camera, this would lessen the reflection a bit but (in my experience) never enough!

Do have a look through the manual, cameras have lots of nifty little functions these days, even the basic ones.

[TheOtherHalf]

thanks to you both. Cant now decide whichm is best answer as you are both my favourite ( as Brucie would say ) thanks

[bibblebub]

give to jno

[bibblebub]

(if for no other reason than my typing is currrently shot to pieces)

[shoota]

What model camera is it Toh?
You should have a circular program wheel with symbols on it which should ennable you to choose a 'night' program which will disable the flash or a button on the side of the flash housing which will turn it off.
You will have to use a tripod or support the camera on a table and use the timer to fire it.
Alternatively a piece of white tissue paper over the flash itself will make the flash less harsh.

[Wak]

If the photos you take are indoors then here's something else you can try but you will need a tripod or a solid support for the camera.
Set up the camera ready for the shot and then hold a piece of white card in front of the flash window but at approx 45 degrees to the horizontal so that the actual flash is directed upwards and to the rear. This should cause the light to be reflected up towards the ceiling and rear wall which should, in turn, throw a dimmer but diffused light towards the subject.
You may have to practice to get it right but it's worth a try.
It could also depend upon the subject.

[Answerprancer]

Try sticking a Rizla over the flash to try and diffuse it a bit. Also, switch the flash option off then experiment raising the ISO - pick as wide an aperture as possible, less than F4, if it will let you.

[Answerprancer]

..oops, I just noticed Shoota's tissue suggestion!