Using flash at sunset in Jamaica

Not using the flash outside is one of many people’s biggest mistakes with their vacation photos.

Probably the one place for vacations that could use the flash more than we ever think is at the beach. Typically the sun is so bright at the beach the only way for people not to be squinting is to be sure the sun is behind them. The problem with this is now their face is in the shade.

Turning your flash on will fill in the shadow and make it easier to see their face. There are limits to this working effectively. Most on-camera flashes work best from three to ten feet from the camera. If you get further away, your moment will have little impact on the photo.

Having a person face the camera where the sun is on the side of their face will also benefit from the flash. This is where it softens the contrast from the shadow side to the sunlit side of their face.

A good basic guideline for most people is always to use their flash when photographing people outside when they are closer than ten feet to the camera.

Another time of the day where this can also improve your photos at the beach is at dusk. This is where a picture of your loved ones with the sunset sky behind them can capture the beauty of the location you have chosen for your vacation.

While using flash is a great way to improve your exterior photos, another helpful hint is to compose your background before putting your subject (family, friends, and loved ones) in the image.

When you go for a vacation, capturing your group in these locations is better so you can see you were there. For example, if you plan to go to Washington DC, compose the photo so you can see the monument fully in the picture.

Once you have done this, leave a little space to one side or the other to have your friends walk into the photo facing the camera. Have them walk close to the camera and have the monuments over their shoulders in the background. Your friends will typically be seven to fifteen feet away, with the memorial almost a football field away from you.

Remember to use a flash outside when the subject is closer than ten feet and to compose for your background to show where you were on your vacation to improve your photos from your summer vacation.