The flash on a camera

Finch Fry · Post by **Finch Fry** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 12:10 am

I want so badly to take pictures of my finches and their babies. Occasionally I have picture perfect opportunities while momma feeds the hatchlings. I am afraid to use the flash... is this just a stupid concern.
I dont want to blind the finches or something stupid like that.

DVBourassa · Post by **DVBourassa** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 9:55 am

I've taken both with flash and without. The flash helps to get a clear picture but it does disturb the birds. Without a flash I have to brace the camera on something to get a clear photo. So ... if you use a monopod/tripod or are able to hold the camera very still you should be able to get good pictures without a flash.

Post by **Sally** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 11:38 am

I have no proof of this, but I don't believe the flash from a camera can blind the birds. However, mine do get upset with the flash, and it can make them come off the nest. Usually, if you sneak one or two pictures with a flash, then leave the room to let them calm down, it will be OK.

Finch Fry · Post by **Finch Fry** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 12:04 pm

Looks like I am going to have to ninja some pictures of the babies tonight! Prepare for pictures.

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 12:06 pm

I do like Sally does and take a few pics then leave the room to let them settle down. My finches seem to hate the red-light just before the flash even more than they hate the actual flash.

franny · Post by **franny** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 7:13 pm

Also check the setting for the flash. If you have a digital camera, many of them let you set the level of flash (low or brighter light).

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 7:20 pm

franny wrote:Also check the setting for the flash. If you have a digital camera, many of them let you set the level of flash (low or brighter light).

Really? I never knew that!

BillD · Post by **BillD** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 11:51 pm

My old digital camera offers a manual setting (without a flash). I'll have to try it and see if the pics are viewable. Guess it all depends on how much light is available. I'll try to get some this weekend.

James · Post by **James** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 1:00 am

you can turn the flash off on every camera that I have used, as well as setting briteness. You may have to play with it to learn how.

James

ac12 · Post by **ac12** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 2:17 am

If you have a DSLR, the other thing is NOISE.
I shot some pix of my birds w/o flash, and when I shot the pix, they were startled and started flying madly around the cage. The only thing I could think of was the noise of the mirror and shutter.

Now I use a telephoto and shoot from farther away, on a tripod.
Even with the flash, they don't seem spooked like they were when I got up close (to use the normal kit lens) w/o the flash.

summert85 · Post by **summert85** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 5:56 pm

I use the flash all the time as well *when taking pictures*. It doesn't seem to bother my birds. But then again, how would i know for sure? hehe

HoangQuan · Post by **HoangQuan** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 12:48 am

We can use a piece of white paper putting in front of the flash light, to prevent the over-exposured image and not scare the birds. What we get will be a nice, clear image, with almost ambient light all over everything

, I always do that when I need to take macro photo with flash by my camera

franny · Post by **franny** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 3:45 pm

HoangQuan wrote:We can use a piece of white paper putting in front of the flash light, to prevent the over-exposured image and not scare the birds. What we get will be a nice, clear image, with almost ambient light all over everything , I always do that when I need to take macro photo with flash by my camera

Great idea Hoang! Can't wait to try that!

HoangQuan · Post by **HoangQuan** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 9:36 pm

yes, Flash is not so bad after all, sometimes we really need it to have a good photo

These are my macro photos using flash light, not birds, sorry

and Im using Canon S3IS, not an expensive DSLR

franny · Post by **franny** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 10:50 pm

HoangQuan wrote:yes, Flash is not so bad after all, sometimes we really need it to have a good photo
These are my macro photos using flash light, not birds, sorry

and Im using Canon S3IS, not an expensive DSLR

Wow!! I have the same Canon S3IS, but I sure don't get photos like that!