2. Flash is much brighter near the strobe and very quickly gets less intense farther away from the camera. Natural light is usually evenly distributed, and except for direct sunlight, it is diffused for soft tonal modeling and subtle shadows.

3. Strong shadows can distract in strobe photos.

4. Reflective surfaces can create distracting glare in the photograph.

Depending on your equipment, you could have up to 3 modes to get correct exposure. They are manual, automatic, and dedicated.

1. All removable strobes (flash attachments) allow "manual" or "M" mode. In this mode the full burst of light is released every time. Each distance (between strobe and subject) requires a different f-stop (lens setting) when using the flash set to manual. Follow the chart on the strobe and set the f-stop to match the distance shown on your lens after you have focused on the subject. The chart assumes you are pointing the flash at the subject (not bouncing). Be aware of your film ASA before you read the chart on the flash.

2. Most strobes also allow "Automatic" or "A" or "AUTO" mode. When set to AUTO mode set your lens f-stop according to the chart recommendation for the color setting and do NOT change your f-stop for each distance. The duration of the flash is automatically determined for each distance. A small sensor switches off the flash in a microsecond as soon as it senses enough light. Be sure the ASA has been correctly set on the chart on the flash.

Most units give more than one choice (colors) of f-stops. The choices are meant to allow depth of field options. The color is either set on the front by turning the sensor or by sliding a switch on the back (depending on the model). Change the camera's f-stop only when changing color (otherwise exposure will by wrong). Most strobes have a green confirmation light, which comes on for a moment after each flash. USE IT before taking the picture to make sure you have enough power. The flash has a test button for this purpose. Wait to take a photograph until a test flash indicates enough light.

3. Many modern strobes also have a "dedicated" or TTL (through the lens) setting. These are camera-brand-specific strobes. They have a special mount designed for your camera brand. Your camera's flash mount must have at least three electric contacts in order to allow a TTL strobe to function. TTL determines the duration of the flash, using the camera meter during the actual exposure by using TTL metering. TTL strobes also offer a confirmation signal light, but firing the flash with out taking a picture may not be possible in this setting. Any f-stop within the range of the flash may be used. If it does not confirm, you need to take the picture again with a larger aperture.
  With all three types, it may be possible to overexpose the negative if you get too close to the subject while using an aperture that is too large. When doing close up straight flash, select a small aperture (and corresponding color if on Auto).

2. Ceiling bounce. Tilt the strobe head up to a point on the ceiling exactly half way between the camera and the face of the model. The ceiling should be white and not too high.

Unfortunately, if using the Vivitar 283 or 285, the recommended automatic f-stop setting will underexpose when bouncing. Correct for this by setting your aperture one stop farther open whenever using it as a bounce flash.

Example: If it calls for f-5.6, set it at f-4.

Always test to see if the confirmation green light comes on. If the green light does not come on, change to a color requiring a larger aperture (smaller f-stop number). Also see "auto mode," above. It helps to use the tele setting (even with a wide-angle lens) when bouncing if the flash has it (as on the Vivitar 285).
 
 

3. Ceiling bounce plus white card. This is the same as ceiling bounce, but attach a flat white 3 x 5 card (or something similar) to the top surface of the flash head so that it will bounce some of the light forward and partially fill shadows produced by the ceiling bounced light. Use tape or a rubber band to attach the card. This should produce an effect closer to outdoor natural light on an overcast day.

4. Wall bounce with white card. This is similar to the ceiling bounce. Pose the model a few feet beside a white wall. You and the model both stand about the same distance from the same wall. The wall might be 4 feet to your left and 4 feet to the model's right. Aim the flash at the wall exactly half way between the camera and the model's face. Do not include this white wall in the picture. This should produce an effect similar to having a model sitting by the light of a window. Do not work in a narrow hallway because the light will bounce from both walls.

Note: Some bounce flash unit heads can not pivot to the side. When using a flash that only pivots up, turn the camera on its side to point the flash toward the wall.

Optionally, try another exposure in a narrow hallway or with a secondary reflector for fill light on the dark side of the face.

Off camera flash (select one of the options below).

Option 1. Double exposure. Pose the model where there is little or no background to catch the light such as an outdoor open area at night or in a room with a mat black wall such as Umble Center stage. In total darkness, using a tripod and cable release, lock open the shutter on the B setting. Point the off-camera strobe at the subject and trigger it manually. Ask the model to take a new position and fire the flash again. Be sure not to cover the light sensor on the front of the flash with your hand.

Option 2. Painting with light. Pose a model or still life objects. A dark background is not needed. Darken the room and lock open the shutter using the B setting and a cable release with camera on a tripod. Fire the flash 4 times from various angles depending on how you want the subject illuminated. Typically 4 flashes will be the same as doubling the intensity twice. Therefore use an f-stop which cuts the light in half twice (two stops smaller aperture). This assumes you are using the flash from a distance of 5 or more feet and that it is set to automatic. Do not cover the flash's light sensor with your hand. The confirmation light should come on after each flash.