Learning About Camera Flash Brackets

Flash brackets are simple metal pieces attached to cameras on one end and a speedlight flash on the other to enable you to produce more flattering light, as compared to your shoe-mounted or built-in flash. As a result, you get more attractive and consistent lighting.

Parts of a Flash Bracket

Learning about the parts of a flash bracket may help you in your buying decision.

Metal Frame

A flash bracket's frame attaches to the camera's tripod screw on its base. For better support; you might want to use flash bracket camera plates.

Cold Shoe Mount

This attaches an external source of lighting such as a speedlight flash on the top part of the flash bracket.

Flash Trigger

By using a flash bracket, you'll no longer have your flash connected to the shoe mount of your camera. Instead, you'll use a flash trigger, which is normally in the form of a wireless radio transmitter, sync cable, or a dedicated TTL cord.

Why Use a Flash Bracket?

The importance of flash brackets and flash bracket accessories depends on the gear you have and what you're shooting.

Predictable and Consistent Lighting

As an event photographer, you may need to shoot in rooms with different lighting conditions. No matter the light in the room, a flash bracket provides sufficient light for the shoot and you won't need an assistant to hold your flash off-camera.

Vertical Orientation Shoots

A flash bracket enables you to swivel your camera's flash accordingly to get precise horizontal and vertical shots. Camera brackets act as shadow busters to ensure unnatural shadows don't vertically fall onto the subject.

Red-Eye Reduction

A flash bracket helps you move the flash away from the subject, therefore reducing the dreaded red-eye effect when shooting close-up portraits.

Convenience

Camera flash brackets put the camera and other lighting accessories, such as the softbox and umbrella, in a central position, all under your direct control.

Choosing a Flash Bracket

When choosing a flash bracket, select one that raises the flash above the camera and enables you to take vertical shots without moving the flash. This helps you effortlessly shift from landscape to portrait. The flash bracket needs to be reliable and simple to use both in and out of the field, so get one with a sturdy and well-built frame. Camera brackets such as the Wimberley flash system have a modular design that allows components to connect in various configurations without the need for extra accessories. Other sturdy models you might want to consider are the Stroboframe, Kirk, and Custom Brackets. These models come with quick release and tilt arms for convenient shooting.

Whether you're looking for high-end folding brackets or large L brackets, or you want to find used flash brackets and grips, to save a little money, be sure to check out B&H Photo and Video's assortment of top brands to get exactly what you need.