Ever get wildly over-exposed shots because the flash is too bright or too close? Does the light from the flash look harsh and unflattering? Here are two easy ways to fix problems with your camera’s flash:

1) Put your finger over one half of the flash. By covering part of the flash, you reduce the amount of light reaching your subject. Easy, huh? No equipment needed, my favorite kind of fix.

Overexposed by flash

Half of flash covered by my finger

2) For a more flattering light coming from your flash, try taping a piece of plain white paper over the flash. If it’s still too bright, double or triple the thickness of the paper, and the problem is solved. This softens the light coming from your flash, resulting in more flattering, and more evenly-lit pictures. Be careful not to cover anything else on the camera but the flash, or you might inadvertently cover the light meter.

Give it a try!