How do I “soften” up shadows when I photograph people?

martyfcb: How do I “soften” up shadows when I photograph people?
When i shoot indoors, I tend to get harsh shadows from when i shoot people. How do i “soften” this up? As a manual mode user, I hate using flash indoors because it more often than not becomes overexposed. So to compensate, I turn flash off. It’s nice but sometimes, it becomes too dark. Am I not using the right aperture and shutter combination to get the right exposure?
I have a canon 30D by the way.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Picture Taker
You want to use diffusion on your flash. If you are only using a pop-up flash, some people tape a single thickness of regular Kleenex tissue over the flash.

Answer by michael james
Back light your subject. You need a flash indoors! That is where the flash works best! Also try making a bounce card from a standard white business card. Tape it to the top of your flash and bounce the flash at the ceiling. It will help back light your subject and give you a more desirable effect. Keep experimenting until you figure out your camera…

Answer by [email protected]
One way is to use a larger iris opening; that reduces contrast. Also, the smaller the light source area, the sharper the image, including shadows. Portrait guys use a light umbrellas or similar device; you aim the flash at a large light colored cloth or cardboard – or even the ceiling – instead of at the subject directly.

If your camera allows it, use a separate strobe unit with or in place of the built-in one; this will also help with red eye. Put the extra strobe to one side so it can fill shadows. A photo flood instead of strobe lets you see the shot before you take it.

A diffusion disc – like a filter – softens shadow and blurs blemishes.

Use the guide number system for your flash. You divide the guide number by the distance to the subject – in feet – and the quotient is the F-stop. With strobes the shutter speed is almost irrelevant, so long as it’s in synch, because the strobe is a lot briefer than the shutter; many of them run around 1/1000 of a second or so.

Answer by JSLB
You should two options, in my opinion.

I’m not sure what type of camera or flash you are using, but if your flash has an adjustable head point the head either toward the ceiling or to one of the sides. This gives you a diffused, less “deer in the headlights” look.

But if your flash does not have an adjustable head, a diffuser is your next best option. They can either be DIY or actual purchased products.

I use a Gary Fong branded diffuser for my flash, and I found it works better than any DIY solution I’ve used.

Thanks,
-Jon

EDIT: I misspelled “deer” what’s up with that? lol

Answer by mister-damus
Do you use an SLR or a compact (point and shoot) camera? If the former, do you have a bounce flash?

If you have an SLR and you have a flash with bounce capability, then bounce the flash off the ceiling (providing the ceiling is white or close enough) – this does wonders. Alternatively, you can also get a diffuser (someone mentioned gary fong). Or just learn how to properly use your flash. Of course you can also use a smaller aperture, but then the background will come out too dark.

If your flash does not have a bounce/swivel head, or you are using a point and shoot camera (or an SLR with built-in flash), then you might try taping a piece of white paper over the flash. This will still let the light through, but it won’t be as harsh.

I hate using flash indoors, too. But sometimes you have to. I myself am just learning how to properly use flash, after avoiding it for years . . .