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Slow-sync flash

Photopedia

23 October 2007 14:59

Slow-sync flash works by combining a slow shutter speed with a burst of flash. The long exposure coupled with a moving subject will give you a blurred image, while the flash will freeze the movement. The result of using the two techniques together gives a blurred effect but also makes sure the main subject remains quite defined.

To make the sharp image stand out, ensure your foreground subject is positioned against a dark background. This will maximise the effect of the flash, while recording any subject or camera movement as a blur.

Choosing the right shutter speed will depend on the amount of movement and the amount of blur you’re after. Experiment with shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/30sec and set the aperture to suit the ambient light.

First curtain: Here the flash fires as soon as the shutter is open. This is the default mode for most cameras and at fast shutter speeds it’s fine. However, combine it with a moving subject and a slow shutter speed and you’ll get the blurred image in front of the sharp image, which looks unnatural.

Second curtain: Also known as rear curtain sync, this setting fires the flash at the end of the exposure. This records the blurred image behind the movement frozen by the flash to give more authentic-looking results.