Photography is a work of art. The more I learn of its nuances, the more I realize there is to discover.
Take this picture, for example. Do you like it without the flash:
Or with the flash:
Both pictures are sharp, decent quality featuring cute children. Does it come down to opinion or is there a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ in photography? Our local community center offers a course on photography for beginners. Now that we are on The Budget, we both agree there isn’t room for extras photography classes. Maybe another day.
Look closely and chime in, which picture do you prefer?
Kathy
I go through those same questions! I think I like the one without the flash this time; the colors are more vivid and it seems a bit sharper or something. Am I remembering right that we have the same camera? Maybe we could learn online or in books for free and pass on what we know!
I really like the one without the flash. It’s more natural. The flash, in the second picture washes it out just a bit.
Kathy, remember the library is a great resource for learning photography. My husband has a bachelor’s degree in photo-journalism. He is the first to say that photography is an art. It’s something you experiment with and in doing that you develop an “eye,” for it. Since you can’t take a class, perhaps you pick up a few great books. You are already doing the most important part! Taking pictures is what is going to make you a better photographer.
I like without the flash. I use a flash only when necessary to see the subject at all. The flash washes out the beautiful shadows-like in Rachel’s sleeves, her hair, under the cheek bones. A good use of the flash is when the subject has their sun to their back, and their face will be too dark without some frontal light. I love natural light skin tones too.. Good job, Katherine.
Malta
I agree with everyone else – the one without the flash is better IMHO.
The colors are more vibrant. All the colors & skin tones are very washed out in the one with the flash. BTW, there are also a lot of great FREE on-line photography courses and typically adult ed courses are very inexpensive. The best teacher though – just trying & seeing what works best – learn your camera inside & out & you’ll do just fine. You have a great eye! 
Without the flash. With the flash looks like the clothes have been out on the clothesline too long and have faded from the sun. I much prefer the deep colors presented in the top picture. The children’s complexions look healthier too!
I like the no-flash pic better. I very rarely EVER use my flash (even indoors), although I think it can have some purpose.
I’ve seen free online photo tutorials that might be helpful for someone like you who already knows how to take pictures. Most of the books I’ve seen are very elementary, i.e., don’t exactly center a person, cut out a lot of cluttered background, etc. BUT look for Photography magazine at your library, I think they are terrific!
Pioneer Woman (www.thepioneerwoman.com) has some great PhotoShop tutorials. You’ve encouraged me as you work with PhotoShop, because I know you don’t have time to mess too much with it. (I bought an early version for dirt cheap–a year ago–but still haven’t opened the plastic wrap, lol.)
without the flash. Fun post.
I like the one WITH the flash.
I have this same argument with sister Stephanie. She says one doesn’t hardly ever need the flash. But I use my flash almost ALL the time.
AH.
Love the kids in the picture even better! AK
Without!
No flash! Better contrast, sense of depth, and vivid colors!
Without my glasses I like it without the flash…but since you said to look closely I put my glasses on and liked the flash one better – so now I’m stuck. I like them both. I would have been totally satisfied with either before you posted them both.
BTW we started a new McManus book while out camping……kerplunk!
without
I prefer the softer, more natural, look of without flash.
I like the one without the flash as it seems to give the kids faces more depth. The flash picture looks too “flat”.
No flash…colors are more vibrant….
Definitely the one without the flash. I like that the colors look more vibrant and more true to what they really are. I feel like the kids faces look washed out in the flash picture.
Your kiddos always look cute, Kathy… but I’m going to have to go with the no flash. The natural lighting is much nicer
No flash! Natural lighting is always better than on-camera flash! Look at the natural light shot – you can see the curves of their cute little cheeks. You lose all of that with the flash. Ditch the flash