Digital Camera Flash

In this example, we will see an pretty clear example of why you don not want to use your digital camera flash. Now don't get me wrong - use the flash for most instances. It will assure you that you get a good picture. But there are occasions when you many want to turn off that flash.

Digital Camera Flash - ON

Now this picture of our Christmas decorations - we hosted a Christmas party for our family this year - came out nice. Couple of things to notice. Using the flash, it illuminates the closest object that may or may not be what you really wanted. In this case, we really wanted to see more depth in the picture.

Also, the colors while almost right is not quite right. The flash sort of brightens the colors in places while darkens them in others.

Let's take a look at a picture where no flash was used.

Digital Camera Flash - OFF

Wow! Nice change. Notice the color looks more real - and the picture has more depth. We really love our light blue glasses but using the flash just does not do them justice.

Now - this picture was possible because:

1) We were photographing a stationary scene - no movement.

2) We could place the camera on the table so there was no chance of hand movement or camera shake. By not using the flash, the camera is susceptible to camera shake since it needs to take a bit longer to snap the shot.

3) My wife is a great decorator!