Why would you ever want to turn off your flash? Most of us love the new digital cameras because they do all the thinking for us. Automation is a wonderful thing. But sometimes you need to think for yourself.
Turning off your flash can enhance your creativity with your camera. Existing light situations offer some fantastic opportunities to great photographs. Your new little puppy sleeping in the warmth of a sunbeam makes for a beautiful photo that the harsh light of a flash would have destroyed.
Your subject could be too far away that your flash is no longer effective. Weddings and stage performances will most likely be out of the range of a standard flash. Turning off your flash and still allowing your camera to have control over the light can give you better photos.
When a flash would create a harsh reflection in a window, mirror or other shiny surface you will also want to turn it off. Unless of course you are going for the solar flare look that will completely wash out your photo.
Sunsets are also a great time to turn off your flash. Silhouetting a subject against a setting sun is one of my favorite photos at the beach. Nothing captures the essence of the beach more than the low light of a sunset and the profile of my son against the glowing skyline.
How many times have you seen the sign that says “No Flash Photography”? Many popular family amusement attractions will allow you to take photos inside their venue as long as you don’t use the flash.
Low light situations without a flash will need a longer shutter speed. You will want to steady yourself by holding your elbows close to your body. Or use a solid surface such as a wall to aid in holding your camera still. Now is also a good time to use a tripod to reduce camera shake.