Lighting System

Basic technique 1: Bounce flash

Flash bounced off a surface softens shadows and increases visual depth

Bounce flash from the externally mounted flash unit

Direct flash from the camera's built-in flash

(A) Flash light
(B) Bounced off ceiling
(C) Bounced light illuminates subject

Aim the flash upward towards the ceiling for “bounce flash” that diffuses and spreads the light output. The result is naturally diffused lighting that creates softer moods and more sophisticated images.

Bounce off a wall or ceiling

Off-camera flash can increase visual depth, but you can also bounce the light from an on-camera flash unit off a nearby surface such as a wall or ceiling for more natural lighting with enhanced dimensionality. Bouncing the flash also provides broader coverage, and is ideal when you need to light a group of people, for example.

Tech Note Rear-wall bounce

Rather that bouncing the flash off a ceiling or side wall, you can also bounce off the rear wall (behind the camera) for even greater diffusion and broader coverage. The diffused light will reach the subject from a multitude of angles, creating the type of broad, even lighting you sometimes see in studio portraits.

Sony Quick Shift Bounce system

The innovative Sony Quick Shift Bounce system provides extra head positioning versatility so you can quickly set the ideal bounce angle whether shooting in horizontal or vertical format. In addition to tilting downward by up to 8 (HVL-F43AM) or 10 (HVL-F60M) degrees or backward by as much as 150 degrees, the flash head pivots 90 degrees left and right, so you can always achieve optimum flash angle and distribution in any shooting situation.

	HVL-F60M	HVL-F43AM	HVL-F20M	HVL-F20S	Built-in Flash
Bounce	Available Up:150° Down:10°	Available Up:150° Down:8°	Available Up:75°	Available Up:75°	N/A
Quick Shift Bounce	Available Side:90°+90°	Available Side:90°+90°	N/A	N/A	N/A