Methods and apparatus for flash intensity value management in a photographic environment

A communication device for use with a camera system having a camera and a flash device, in which the camera is configured to gather exposure data related to a photographic subject, calculate therefrom a flash intensity value for the flash device, and signal the flash device to emit light at the calculated flash intensity during subsequent image acquisition of the photographic subject by the camera, the communication device comprising:

• a microprocessor adapted to obtain a calculated flash intensity value from the camera;
• a memory operably coupled to the microprocessor;
• a user interface configured to:
• display the calculated flash intensity value;
• and
• allow a user to selectively adjust the calculated flash intensity value;
• wherein the microprocessor is configured to:
• store an adjusted flash intensity value in the memory;
• and
• signal the flash device to emit light at the adjusted flash intensity value during subsequent image acquisition by the camera.

A camera for use with a flash device, the camera comprising:

• a light meter configured to gather exposure data related to a photographic subject resulting from a pre-flash emission of the flash device;
• a microprocessor configured to calculate, based on the exposure data, a first flash intensity value for the flash device for image acquisition of the photographic subject by the camera;
• a memory operably coupled to the microprocessor and configured to store the calculated flash intensity value;
• and
• a user interface configured to:
• display the first calculated flash intensity value;
• and
• allow a user to selectively adjust the first calculated flash intensity value;
• wherein the microprocessor is further configured to:
• store the adjusted flash intensity value in the memory;
• calculate a second flash intensity value based on a pre-flash emission of the flash device subsequent to storing the adjusted flash intensity value;
• compare the difference between the adjusted flash intensity value and the second calculated flash intensity value;
• and
• signal the flash device, during subsequent image acquisition by the camera, to emit light at the second calculated flash intensity value when the difference is greater than a predetermined threshold value, or at the adjusted flash intensity value otherwise.