13 Fill Flash

Preventing Shadows from Stealing the Show

Fill flash is an antidote for obscured foregrounds, unwanted silhouettes, harsh shadows, and drab colors resulting from overcast skies. It’s best used when the viewer can’t even tell it’s there.

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I used fill flash for the topmost image to make sure our Bhutanese guide’s face was adequately illuminated. The difference between the two images is not dramatic, but it is perceptible. | Nikon D700 • 50 mm 1/250 s • f/7.1 • ISO 500

The most likely scenario in which you’ll opt for using fill flash ...

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