I'm very confused about flash?
*I own a Nikon D3100. I have a 18-55 mm lens, a 55-200mm lens, a tripod, and indoor and outdoor lens filters.*
I have two questions.
1) When is flash appropriate?
When will flash make my photos look better, and when will they not. I especially need to know if flash is appropriate on humans for portraits.
2) Should I invest in a better flash with a Flash defuser to soften the light?
I really need help.
Wow James, this is a HUGE subject, and just really beyond the scope of this forum to try to address all your questions here. There have been scores of books written about this, and I'm in fact going to link you to a very good one:
http://www.amazon.com/...608952584/
Yes, you DO need a good shoe mount flash. Diffusers can be of help at times, but also simply knowing how to effectively bounce the flash can often be just as good if not better.
Again, I could sit here typing all night trying to educate you about this subject, and still miss a lot.So, just get the book. You can also spend some time on the STROBIST website which covers indepth flash methods.
First off, with digital cameras the old "outdoor" Skylight filters do little more than act as lens protectors. Indoor filters, were used to make indoor light more acceptable/natural, and are best not used with digital cameras - use the cameras white balance feature instead.
When is it appropriate to use flash? When ever there's insufficient light, or you are not happy with the light.
If you are using your flash for photos of people it's best if you can to bounce the flash off ceilings or walls (preferably white, and avoiding obstructions). If you can't bounce then use a diffuser.
1) Oddly enough, the pop-up flash is quite appropriate outside, in broad daylight. It removes harsh shadows under the eyes, neck, etc., or anytime the face is hidden in shadows. Try it out.
2) Sorry, but a better flash will not help you take better pictures. Unless you really want to learn how to take better pictures -- not 'flash photography' -- learn the basics first.
If you learn how to use it, an external flash (such as a Nikon SB-700) can make a big difference. Check out my demo:
Flash is helpful in all kinds of situations, including full sunlight, once you learn how to use it. Try looking at a few of these, just to see a few different applications:
"The Hot Shoe Diaries," by Joe McNally is required reading.
Portrait photography is all about lighting a subject. Sometimes natural light works well. More often than not, you want to shape the lighting to suit your vision. You can do this with relectors or flashes or both.
The strobist site mentioned by Steve is a good one to get started to understand light and what you can do with your camera and a flash. The site is http://www.strobist.com