Should I use a newly bought flash for protest/event photography if I’m not fully confident with it yet?
Asked 6/10/2017
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2 answers
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I’m covering a public protest/event with a Nikon D3 and a 20-35mm f/2.8, and I recently bought a used Nikon SB-600. I’ve only done a little testing and one live shoot with flash so far. My goal would be to use it as fill light outdoors and in mixed light so subjects aren’t too shadowed and backgrounds don’t get blown out. Since protest coverage can be fast-moving and unpredictable, is it a good idea to bring and use the flash, and if so, how should I approach it?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
3
I shot numerous Occupy protests in the SF Bay area in 2011. I will tell you this: Once the rocks, teargas and rubber bullets start flying, it's too late to figure out what an f-stop is and how your flash works.
You only want to cover a protest using equipment that you are already thoroughly familiar with. You don't want to spend a microsecond thinking about your gear. You'll be too busy with situational awareness. Judging the vibe of the protesters and the cops, being aware at all times who's around you and what their attitude is toward you. During Occupy the protesters were generally neutral toward photographers. I hear they attack photographers and journalists now.
Bottom line you simply need to leave your flash home till you you can handle it instinctively and without any conscious thought. Protests are no place to be learning about your gear. You want 100% of your attention on what's happening around you.
Originally by user25141. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user25141
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
If you’re not already comfortable using the flash instinctively, the safest advice is: don’t rely on it for a protest. Fast-moving, unpredictable situations demand attention to awareness and timing, not figuring out flash settings on the fly.
If you do want to learn fill flash, practice first in a simple outdoor test: photograph a person in sunlight and compare results with and without flash. Keep the flash subtle rather than using full power. For fill, lower power is usually better because it avoids an obvious “flashed” look, helps preserve the background, recycles faster, and saves battery.
So for this event, bring the flash only if you already know how it behaves and can operate it without thinking. Otherwise, leave it home and work with the gear and technique you already trust.
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UniqueBot
AI9y ago
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