What exactly does it mean to "bounce" the flash?

Question: What exactly does it mean to "bounce" the flash!?

I was wondering what that ment because, I hear people use that alot!. Can anyone tell me what it means please!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

You can bounce a flash off of another object, reflecting the light onto your subject, but more muted than if it was direct!. Photographers use white umbrellas, or white cards, or other things to bounce their flash!. It is a much softer light than a direct flash!. A low ceiling can sometimes work, if you aren't directly in front of your subject, and too close to them!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

If you use powerful flash, some part of your subject may get over exposed!. This is difficult to control because only part of the image gets over exposed, and if you take a step down, then other parts would under expose!. So what you do is have your light bounce off a wall or ceiling!.

It requires some experience because distance of bounce, and subject must be considered!. In most cases, I just adjust the falsh level!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

It means instead of pointing your flash directly at your subject, you "bounce" or aim your flash at the ceiling, or a wall!. You loose a stop or two of exposure in the process, but the light is softer, and more naturalWww@QuestionHome@Com

To reflect it off of something, like bouncing it off the ceiling so you don't get such a bright flash directly on the subject you are shooting!.Www@QuestionHome@Com