Why I prefer shooting with a flash at all times

Introduction

If you happen to follow me on social media, you have probably noticed that most of my photos are taken using a flash. I don’t remember exactly when the flash became necessary for my street photography, but it has changed the way I shoot and the way I see the world. In case you are wondering why I prefer shooting with a flash at all times, I have prepared this short post to share my thoughts. Please note that this post isn’t intended to convince you to use a flash. So kindly give it a read and let me know what you think. All feedback is welcome.

I don’t worry about the dark

Carrying a portable light helps me shoot in the dark, so I don’t have to worry about low-light conditions. Nothing can escape my lens, whether hidden by darkness or covered by dim light, because my flash illuminates everything. Also, using a flash allows me to capture images at high speed in the dark without waiting for my camera sensor to absorb light with a slow shutter speed. In addition, colors and details are captured vividly and clearly.

I don’t stress about sharp shadows on bright days

A flash is also very useful when shooting on bright days. You might wonder how. Well, if I want to photograph a backlit subject or one covered by sharp shadows, without a flash, I’d have to move the subject into the light or change my position. However, that affects my framing and composition. To maintain my vision and balance the overall lighting, I use my flash to illuminate the shadows. This approach not only reveals details that would normally be hidden but also creates a surreal HDR-like effect that I love. It helps avoid blowing out highlights or losing details in the shadows, resulting in vibrant images.

I feel like my creative options expand

When having light at your fingertips you automatically have so many more creative options available to you. You suddenly feel that you are not just using your surroundings and the available light to compose photos, but you are actually creating the photos you want using your flash as a paintbrush. This feeling excites me a lot and I rarely feel it when shooting without a flash. Letting me play with light in ways that natural lighting doesn’t always allow, with a flash I can change the direction of the light, create surreal images, highlight specific subjects, or even isolate them from busy backgrounds. This is a technique I use a lot. In these situations I like to think that using a flash is like having a mini studio light in my pocket, ready to transform any scene.

I capture honest reactions

The flash freezes everything instantly and is brutally honest, leaving no doubt about what has happened. The subject sees the flashing light and, like a deer caught in headlights on a dark road, freezes and is stripped of all personal filters, revealing their true self in that moment. I like to think that flash street portraits capture truly authentic photos without pretence. It’s compelling to see the eyes of the subjects looking back at me through the captured image when going through my shots later.

I feel like I am much more honest with my subjects

There is no hiding my intentions when using a flash. There’s no sneaky shot, no hip shot, no need for a leaf or electronic silent shutter. I am as honest as I can be, openly showing that I am interested in someone and taking their photo. People often appreciate this honesty. They tend to react well, usually smiling back at me. Sometimes they ask me what compelled me to take their photo, but they rarely get upset. Interestingly, I’ve only been yelled at for taking non-flash photos. I assume this is because subjects feel less comfortable with sneaky shots and get upset when they realise what’s happening.

The flash is an ice breaker

Continuing from my previous point, using a flash also serves as an icebreaker. It can start conversations. I’ve met many amazing people through the simple act of snapping a flash portrait. For example, I recently met Lea, an artist from Athens, who was intrigued by the colour-pop and sharp detail of my flash photos. I initially saw her sitting at a table and snapped a shot. After just five minutes of conversation, Lea relaxed and posed for me, revealing a more genuine side that came through in my photo. As people relax and open up, you get more opportunities for truly genuine portraits.

I like to think I am creating my own style

Over the years, using a flash has given my work a recognizable style. I like to think my shots are identifiable. This distinctiveness isn’t just in my photos; other flash shooters also have their unique approaches. For instance, I can spot a Barry Talis shot easily because of his dramatic captures. Bruce Gilden’s close-up, raw street portraits are unmistakable, emphasising the detailed expressions of his subjects. Salvatore Matarazzo also stands out with his humorous and unexpected moments in public spaces. Each of these photographers uses flash to enhance their artistic vision, making their images distinct and memorable.

You could say I control the light and weather

I don’t have to worry about the weather conditions. Whether it’s a sunny day, a gloomy wet morning, or a cloudy afternoon, I don’t care. My flash allows me to create consistent photos just the way I like them, regardless of the weather and lighting conditions. This consistency helps me maintain a uniform look across different frames, making my photos feel cohesive. In adverse conditions like rain or snow, the flash can highlight those elements beautifully, adding an extra layer of atmosphere and magic to the scene.

I experiment with various techniques

By using methods like slow shutter sync or rear curtain sync, I can create cool effects like light trails or ghosting when shooting in the dark, adding a dynamic quality to my shots. I love pushing the boundaries and trying new things, and the flash is a versatile tool that helps me do just that.

Closing

Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Do you agree with me? Do you disagree? Do you use a flash or not? Have you experimented with slow shutter sync or rear curtain sync? If you have never tried street photography using a flash, I highly recommend giving it a go after reading Digby Fullam’s “A Guide to Flash Street Photography (On Camera)” and “Off-Camera Flash Street Photography with the Fujifilm X-Pro1” I also recommend checking out “Street Talk Episode #10: Flash Street Photography During the Day” and our post on “15 Flash Street Photographers You Should Follow on Social Media” for inspiration!

Using a flash has been a game-changer for my street photography. It has enhanced the technical quality of my photos and expanded my creative toolkit. The ability to illuminate scenes, balance lighting, and capture authentic moments has become an integral part of my photographic style. While it may not be for everyone, the flash has become indispensable in how I capture and share my view of the world. Thanks for reading, and I’m looking forward to your thoughts and feedback!

Stay Sharp & Keep Shooting!