Flash for Wildlife

[krazy_horse]

Wasn't sure if this should be in the lighting bit of the forum, but hey, here we go..

I was at Fowlmere RSPB a month or two ago, and there was a guy there with a 400 or 500mm lens (canon) with a flash attached, i didn't see him take any pics, but assumed he used the flash, is this normal?

I have always made-do with the available light and suffered the high ISO consequences, does anyone else use a flash for this, to me it seems a bit un-natural ? :shrug:

JB

 

[Werecow]

It can be used for filling in shadows, shooting in to the light and using flash to expose or give detail to the dark side of an animal, adding a catchlight in the eyes... i'm sure theres more reasons that i can't think of

Here's an article i just googled
http://www.outbackphoto.com/the_bag/brad_fillflash/essay.html

 

[Busby]

Certainly not normal and no doubt would scare animals.

 

[Werecow]

It is quite normal among top nature photographers

Arthur Morris, Frans Lanting, Moose peterson...

They even use that Better Beamer device that focusses the flash and gives it a longer reach for the big telephoto lenses.

 

[Busby]

Shows what I know.