Off-Camera Flash Expectations vs Reality

Let’s talk about off-camera flash expectations vs the reality.

When it comes to off-camera flash, many people have high expectations about the capabilities of this technique. However, the reality of working with off-camera flash can be quite different.

Background

In a previous post I talked about why you should learn off-camera flash (additional depth, creative control). Even though those reasons still stand, you need to consider the realities of using off-camera flash against your expectations.

Off-Camera Flash Expectations vs Reality

Expectation: OCF Gets Instant Results

One expectation that many photographers have is that off-camera flash will automatically result in more professional-looking photos. It’s true that off-camera flash can add more dimension to, and generate interest in your photos. 

However, you need to remember that off-camera flash is just one of many tools available to you. The quality of the final image will depend on many factors. These factors include your skill as a photographer, the lighting conditions, and the post-processing.

This happened to me. After using flash for the first time I was frustrated. “Why don’t my images look better?”, I thought. Turns out, I still needed to understand flash in general, and off-camera flash in particular.

Expectation: OCF Is Easy

Another off-camera flash expectation is that it will make it easy for you to achieve many lighting effects. However, working with off-camera flash can be quite challenging and requires a significant amount of practice and experimentation. You need to understand how to modify the light source, adjust the power output and where to place the light to achieve the desired effects.

Expectation: OCF Is Only for Professionals

Finally, some photographers believe that off-camera flash is only for professional photographers. In reality, anyone can use off-camera flash to improve their photography. Whether you’re a professional or amateur photographer, off-camera flash is a valuable tool for creating more dynamic and interesting photos.

If you are a professional photographer, off-camera flash can help increase your income. But it’s not a magic sales tool. It’s a skill that can set you apart from smartphone photography. Off-camera flash will also let you work year-round, because you won’t rely only on natural light.

Conclusion

Off-camera flash is a powerful tool for photographers, but it’s important to have realistic expectations about what it can and can’t do. With practice, experimentation and a good understanding of the technique, you can achieve great results with off camera flash and take your photography to the next level.