Pixel Photo Fest

This presentation explores all the various techniques of “Dragging the shutter” or balancing the exposure of strobe and ambient light sources in one photo. For example: taking a photo of someone outside at night by using a portable flash and also capturing the city lights in the background. There is quite a lot to know about this technique because it involves color balance as well as exposure balance. Bobbi explains how to determine the proper balance of exposure between the two light sources - flash and ambient - then how to creatively play by shaking or spinning the camera, zooming the lens, panning and more. The flash will light the subject and freeze any motion, and then moving the camera will blur the ambient light in the background in a variety of ways. Adding gels to the flash can making the color of the light sources correct, or for creating unusual effects. This technique can be used for people at twilight, product shots, flowers outside, etc. It’s a creative and fun way to make your photos more dynamic and effective!