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How to use off-camera flash

Techniques

24 October 2007 12:57

Any flashgun that can be fired when it’s not directly attached to the camera’s hotshoe is known as off-camera flash. This technique is usually used to give more flattering lighting than the very flat, straight-on light you get from a flashgun attached to the camera.

There are several ways that this can be achieved, depending on your camera, flashgun and also your budget. Some of the latest DSLRs and dedicated flashguns are equipped with a wireless system to allow you to fire the flash without having to connect it to the camera at all. Most models still need to be attached, usually by a lead from the camera to the flash unit.

To retain all the automatic functions use a dedicated lead, usually available from your camera’s manufacturer.