Flash Basics

Flash fact #1: Every flash photograph is two exposures in one
Flash fact #2*: Flash exposure is not affected by shutter speed.
Flash fact #3: Flash illumination is dramatically affected by distance
Flash fact #4: Your camera measures ambient light and flash illumination separately
The fact that you have your flash turned on has no effect on this**Flash fact #5: With automatic flash metering, the flash illumination is measured after the shutter button is pressed, and the flash output is adjusted accordingly.
Flash fact #6*: Every SLR camera with a mechanical shutter has a maximum flash sync shutter speed

Finish this sentence: The further your subject, the darker it gets.

Will your exposure be brighter from the light produced by the flash, if you use a slower (longer) shutter speed? What type of light will a longer shutter speed increase in any type of exposure?


What is the primary limitation of flash?

What is the maximum sync speed of most DSLR cameras?


What is a Guide Number on a flash?

What is the problem with using a flash pointing directly at a subject? How can a photographer address this problem?

What is the advantage of getting a flash off of the top of a camera?