What are some creative techniques to blend ambient and flash light for artistic effects?

1 Adjust your camera settings

The first step to blend ambient and flash light is to adjust your camera settings to control the exposure of each light source. You can use the exposure triangle of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to manipulate how much ambient light reaches your sensor. A smaller aperture, a faster shutter speed, and a lower ISO will reduce the ambient light exposure, while the opposite will increase it. You can also use the exposure compensation dial to fine-tune your exposure. To control the flash exposure, you can use the flash power, the flash zoom, and the flash distance to your subject. You can also use the flash exposure compensation dial to adjust the flash output.

2 Use a flash modifier

A flash modifier is a device that attaches to your flash unit and alters the quality, direction, or color of the flash light. Flash modifiers can help you blend ambient and flash light by softening, diffusing, bouncing, or filtering the flash light. For example, you can use a softbox, an umbrella, or a diffuser to create a softer and more natural flash light that matches the ambient light. You can also use a reflector, a bounce card, or a ceiling to bounce the flash light off a surface and create a more indirect and flattering flash light. You can also use a gel, a filter, or a color temperature orange (CTO) to change the color of the flash light and match the ambient light color.

3 Experiment with different angles

Another creative technique to blend ambient and flash light is to experiment with different angles of the flash light relative to the ambient light and the subject. You can use a flash bracket, a light stand, or an off-camera flash cord to position your flash unit away from your camera and create different lighting effects. For example, you can use a side flash, a back flash, or a rim flash to create contrast, separation, or drama in your images. You can also use a fill flash, a front flash, or a catchlight flash to add light, detail, or sparkle to your subject's face.

4 Try high-speed sync or rear-curtain sync

High-speed sync and rear-curtain sync are two advanced flash modes that allow you to blend ambient and flash light in creative ways. High-speed sync enables you to use a shutter speed faster than the normal sync speed of your camera and flash, which is usually around 1/200s or 1/250s. This allows you to use a wider aperture or a brighter ambient light without overexposing your image. High-speed sync can also help you freeze motion, create shallow depth of field, or darken the background. Rear-curtain sync triggers your flash at the end of the exposure, rather than at the beginning. This allows you to create motion blur, light trails, or panning effects with your ambient light, while still freezing your subject with your flash light.

5 Mix ambient and flash light ratios

The last creative technique to blend ambient and flash light is to mix different ratios of ambient and flash light in your image. You can use the manual mode or the TTL mode of your flash unit to control the ratio of ambient and flash light. You can also use a light meter or a histogram to measure the ratio of ambient and flash light. By changing the ratio of ambient and flash light, you can create different moods, atmospheres, or styles in your images. For example, you can use a low ratio of ambient and flash light to create a balanced and natural look. You can also use a high ratio of ambient and flash light to create a dramatic and contrasty look.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?