5 Tips for Better Photos With Just a Flash in a Random Location (Especially When Unplanned)

A Chance Meeting, a Birthday/ Lifestyle Shoot, and Good Vibes in Miami.

Some moments don’t feel random at all, they feel placed. Divine-intervention placed. That’s exactly how I’d describe meeting Amber Domond in Miami.

I was sitting in the co-working space of a condominium, editing some work and minding my own business, when Amber and her friends came downstairs with a small cake, party energy, and the intention of grabbing a few birthday photos.

The problem? They were standing in the one corner of the building that had no light whatsoever.

As a photographer, there are two things I can’t resist: good people and bad lighting. And on someone’s birthday? Absolutely not.

So I walked over and simply said, “Hey, the sun hits better over here. Let me help you get something you’ll actually like.” Amber looked at me, smirked, and fired back:“Since you know so much about light, why don’t you come take my picture?”

Challenge accepted.

I told her I had my camera upstairs and a single flash, nothing fancy, but it’d be enough to make sure she at least walked away with real birthday photos. Fifteen minutes later, we were shooting, laughing, fixing hair, adjusting poses, and somehow becoming fast friends in the process. The shots came out better than any of us expected for a completely unplanned moment.

Blessed

Amber Domond, Birthday Shoot

Joy

What started as a casual moment in a dim co-working room turned into a collaboration that felt effortless, aligned, and meant to happen.

Looking back, I’m just glad I spoke up. You never know what can unfold when you step in, offer your gift, or simply help. And honestly, I couldn’t let a birthday cake, and genuinely good people go to waste.

---

5 Tips for Better Photos With Just a Flash in a Random Location (Especially When Unplanned)

1. Use Whatever You Can Find For Light Modification

Walls, ceilings, pillars, glass... anything near you can act as a giant diffuser. Point your flash at a surface, but many times you can use harsh direct light for style. But the walls and ceilings etc. are great for bouncing light and softening direct light on the subject instantly.

2. Keep the Flash Off-Camera if Possible

Even holding the flash in your hand or asking someone to lift it slightly above eye level improves the look drastically. Side light or top-angle light adds depth and avoids the “mugshot” look.

3. Mix Flash With Existing Ambient Light

Don’t overpower the environment. Lower your flash power enough that the ambient light still shows, this creates a more natural, cinematic feel instead of harsh spotlighting.

4. Position Your Subject Toward the Light You Do Have

If sunlight is leaking through a window, angle your subject toward it. Use the flash to fill shadows or add catchlight, blending natural and artificial light for a clean look.

5. Zoom In, Blur the Background, Simplify the Chaos

Random spaces can be messy.A tighter focal length (85mm, 50mm, or a tele-zoom) paired with flash isolates your subject, hides distractions, and makes even a chaotic room look intentional.