![This time with an IR filter held in front of the built-in flash. No shadows are visible. However, since the fill light is removed, one side is darker than the other. You might want to try using a reflector or another flash gun to compensate for this. But it can also look quite cool!](/blogimages/using_ir_filter_on_pop-up_flash_to_trigger_external_flash/with_ir_thumb.jpg)
Using IR Filter on Pop-up Flash to Trigger External Flash
Invisible flash
I have an external flash gun that I often use when shooting. Using it on the camera is alright, but when you start using it off camera, things really start to get interesting. To trigger the flash remotely, I simply use the built-in pop-up flash of the camera. Problem is, this often causes some unwanted light or shadows from the pop-up flash itself. The solution? An infrared filter. Hold it (or tape it?) in front of the built-in flash and it will filter out almost all visible light, but still trigger the external flash. Works great. Continue reading for some sample shots.
![The subject with external flash placed on the side, triggered by the built-in flash. Note the (unwanted) shadows under the horns and ears. By lowering the flash exposure compensation it gets better, but doesn't quite go away completely.](/blogimages/using_ir_filter_on_pop-up_flash_to_trigger_external_flash/no_ir.jpg)
The subject with external flash placed on the side, triggered by the built-in flash. Note the (unwanted) shadows under the horns and ears. By lowering the flash exposure compensation it gets better, but doesn't quite go away completely.
![This time with an IR filter held in front of the built-in flash. No shadows are visible. However, since the fill light is removed, one side is darker than the other. You might want to try using a reflector or another flash gun to compensate for this. But it can also look quite cool!](/blogimages/using_ir_filter_on_pop-up_flash_to_trigger_external_flash/with_ir.jpg)
This time with an IR filter held in front of the built-in flash. No shadows are visible. However, since the fill light is removed, one side is darker than the other. You might want to try using a reflector or another flash gun to compensate for this. But it can also look quite cool!
![Shot using only the pop-up flash, as reference.](/blogimages/using_ir_filter_on_pop-up_flash_to_trigger_external_flash/pop_up.jpg)
Shot using only the pop-up flash, as reference.
![The infrared (IR) filter placed in front of the flash. I have still to find a good way to attach it; here it could fall off any second. Another way is to get the Nikon SG-31R, which is a clip-on IR filter for the flash.](/blogimages/using_ir_filter_on_pop-up_flash_to_trigger_external_flash/ir_on_camera.jpg)
The infrared (IR) filter placed in front of the flash. I have still to find a good way to attach it; here it could fall off any second. Another way is to get the Nikon SG-31R, which is a clip-on IR filter for the flash.
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