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Question from Elizabeth: “I am a little frustrated. I Have a problem with FLASH! My camera decides to open the flash, even in broad daylight,with no shade in sight, and it washes out my subjects. I have tried a few different flash diffusers, and it is still happening. Anyone know what I am doing wrong? I could always turn the flash off and use a tripod, but sometimes a tripod is not the best way to go. I have also tried all the different settings ie: Portrait, close-up, landscape etc….. I am using a Canon Rebel T3, Any and all help is greatly appreciated. :)”
Elisha: When you’re shooting in auto it will automatically pop up, but it should only if it thinks it needs the extra light. Do you know how to shoot in manual? It won’t auto pop up if you’re shooting in manual, setting your own aperture, shutter speed, etc.
Reva: try manual mode?
Emily: I’m confused as to why you’d need a tripod in daylight… Just turn the flash off and open up the aperture
Natasha: I have the same camera and have encountered this problem once in a while. I usually change to manual.
Vanessa: You don’t always need a tripod to shoot without the flash. When shooting in Auto mode, you can physically hold the flash down while you take pictures.
Emily: Manual mode seems the best way to go. I’m kind of confused though. You complained that the flash is washing your subjects out, but then you go on to say that you could just turn the flash off and use a tripod (presumably because you don’t want camera shake but need to use a low shutter speed), but don’t want to. Do you want flash, or not?
Sandra: Aperture priority (AV) would also keep it from popping up if you aren’t comfortable with manual yet.
Chris: One possibility is that you can manuall push the flash back down and it will shut it off.
Emilia: Maybe your flash is programed to work “always on”, what you should change the flash settings in your camera to “automatic” or manual, I use the Rebel XS and it has a button that you push to activate the flash whenever you want it, maybe your has a button similar to that too. Also I recommend reading through the camera manual (believe me, is always useful), so you know the functions of all the buttons, programs, etc. And also you should experiment with the manual mode of your camera, it’s fun and allows you to do a lot of things you can’t do with a camera program. I hope this helps
Heather: Manual Mode! not as hard as it sound!
Kaela: Shoot in manual.
Jess: yup I agree Manual mode
Alicia: I would also move to manual mode. It can be overwhelming at first, but practice will make you more comfortable with it. And before you know it, you’ll have an ah-ha moment and never use anything other than manual!
Becky: You should only shoot in manual
Amy: Try the P mode.
Cara: Manual mode is the way to go for real. But P, Av andTv modes will also all give you control over the flash.
Dexter: Try A mode (aperture priority)
Ron: If you want the camera to still set both the aperature and shutter speed automatically then shoot in P mode. The flash will not pop up unless you decide you need flash and then you will manually have to pop it up via the side button. In this mode you will also be able to set ISO, exposure compensation and flash exposure compensation.
Ronald: If you have a DSLR camera, you must learn to use manual, not only Auto
Elizabeth: Thank you all for your suggestions, looks like manual mode is what I have to do, now to learn it lol. And Emily, yes I was talking about shake, that’s why I mentioned the tripod. Have a great day all
Interspace Photography: This is a great place to learn manual & other great things that is all Photography. Jared Polin is great to learn from
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