Flash Causing Eyes to Shut

[milster]

Been having a play with my flashgun and I've come across a problem that everytime I try to get pretty close to my daughter her eyes half shut. It's no a problem I have with my other daughter. Is there some way to combat this?

Thanks

 

[ChrisH]

Probably the youngster is tensing due to expecting something to happen thats not very nice. Is it not possible to move back a little ?

 

[milster]

Yeah, I think it's possible that I'm just trying to get too close with the flash. It's actually the eldest which I'm having the problem with (6.5 years) which is a problem as she's my most willing model

 

[Nick_1981]

I've found that some people are more sensitive to the pre flash which makes them blink. I'm fairly sure you only get a pre flash in TTL mode. Try switching your flash to manual and see if you still get eyes shut.

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

she certainly has good reactions.
It is more likely that she is reacting to the mirror clack.
Try cotton wool in her ears.

 

[milster]

I don't think its the mirror as she doesn't react when there's no flash. I think she is quite light sensitive, she always has been.

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

I don't think its the mirror as she doesn't react when there's no flash. I think she is quite light sensitive, she always has been.

It could only be the preflash. especially with cameras that communicate with their flash.

 

[Mank]

You tried bouncing the flash rather than having it straight at her? (not sure if you already do or not).

As I noticed this when I tested my flash gun on the cats, they blinked every time the flash was on them, but then I lifted it up and bounced it and they kept them open. I think having it straight on can be a little harsh on the eyes.

Worth a go!

 

[milster]

Yeah, I've tried bouncing it at all angles. I've noticed my wife does it as well, but that's not so bad as she never lets me take her picture

The thing that seems to help the most so far is moving away a bit, but that's still a bit hit and miss

 

[boliston]

Definitely worth setting the flash to manual rather than auto ("iTTL") as the monitor preflashes the camera fires can cause blinking for some people. I find that if I take a pic of my cat with iTTL then it will often blink, but it never blinks in manual.