Flash Fill
in Crime Scene and Evidence Photography
Photograph on left--Without flash fill, detail in shadows is lost.
Photograph on right--With flash fill, detail in the shadow area is recorded.
When to Use Flash Fill
In scenes illuminated by bright sunlight there will usually be dark shadow areas. Detail in the deep shadow areas will be lost when the exposure is based on the overall brightness of the scene. With the use of flash fill, the brightness level in the shadow areas can be raised to the overall brightness of the scene.
Technique
- Set the shutter speed to the camera’s flash synchronization speed (usually 1/60 or 1/125 second).
- Use the camera’s light meter to determine the correct f/stop for the shutter speed selected. Set that f/stop on your lens.
- With the flash on manual, find the flash-to-subject distance for the f/stop that was selected.
- Position the flash unit at that distance from the shadow area and take the photograph.
You may wish to use a flash remote cord so you can have more flexibility in choosing the proper angle for the fill flash.
Cameras with dedicated TTL flash systems can provide automatic flash fill. Consult the equipment instruction manual for further instructions.
Copyright Information
The images and excerpts from the Crime Scene and Evidence Photographer's Guide found on this World Wide Web page are copyright ©1997 by Steven Staggs. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the author, except you may download, reprint, reproduce and share the images and information on this World Wide Web page for non- commercial, private purposes. However, you may not manipulate or alter in any way the images and information. All artwork and photography is by the author.
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