Bounce flash for natural indoor light
Bouncing means aiming the flash head at a ceiling or wall instead of your subject. The surface becomes a big, soft light source — the single easiest way to make flash look good.
Recommended settings
Why it works
Light gets softer as the source gets bigger relative to the subject. A ceiling lit by your flash is enormous compared to the bare flash head, so shadows go soft and gradual — exactly what flatters faces. The trade-off is lost power and a possible color cast from the surface.
Common mistakes
- Bouncing off a high or colored ceiling and getting weak or tinted light.
- Pointing dead-straight up, which leaves shadows under the eyes and nose.
FAQ
Why is my bounce flash too dark?
The bounce ate too much light — the ceiling is high or dark. Add flash exposure compensation, raise ISO, or open the aperture to recover it.
Can I bounce flash outdoors?
Usually no — there's nothing overhead to bounce off. Outdoors, use the flash as direct fill (see the fill-flash guide) or add a modifier.