"White flash"

Hello all,

I'm very new to photography...

Can someone please explain flashing at a white wall before you take a picture

and HOW you do this? For what type of pictures is this needed?

I have a SLR Nikon N75 and a Sunpak 4000AF flash... Thanks!

Chelsea

I have to assume, Chelsea, that you're referring to people using digital SLRs, who may take a picture of a white surface to make sure that they've got their camera's white balance set up correctly. Some people also do that to record a dust-removal image (a way for software to later remove the impact of sensor dust from a batch of images). If you describe what you're seeing a little more clearly, perhaps you'll get a more precise answer.

As I understand it, Chelsea, you have a 35mm Film camera here, and not a digital. So, I think you probably are referring to the fact that if you turn the sunpak flash to shine behind you onto a white wall or surface, you will get a less intense and therefore harsh shadows effect on the photo in front of the camera. The light has to bounce off the wall or perhaps the ceiling behind you, and then back again to the person or scene you are photographing. In the process, you end up getting a much more even light on the subject, and a smoother light. You also need to think of the lights in the room if it indoors, as they will likely be either fluorescent bulbs or tubes, or hot tungsten lights. Either way, you will need to put a filter over your flash head to match the color. If you go to somewhere like Lee Filters, they will be able to supply sheets of clear color correction filter which will make your flash light the same as the room you are photographing. Most people will not think of this, and you will get the better photo. Theirs will have yellowish room lights, and blue flash from their cameras, while yours will be color-balanced and show detail in the shadow areas, and more pleasing color all over. Try it - you will be glad you did.(ex-pro photographer tip)