My Head is Spinning! - DPChallenge Forums

Sigma 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical HF for Pentax

06/02/2008 12:32:07 AM · #1

I've decided that learning about a camera is NOTHING compared to trying to decipher the ins and outs of using a flash properly.

I've been reading till my eyes are bugging out for a couple of days and it's still about as clear as mud. I have learned a thing or two about my flash (550EX), but feels like I should understand a lot more.

I've stayed away from using much flash because I'm ignorant of how to use it properly. Please tell me that I'm not alone in this mind set. And please tell me to keep trying...because I AM determined to learn.

I'm just a bit frustrated and needed to vent.

Pug-H

Pentax K10D

06/02/2008 12:41:36 AM · #2

Well, you're not alone. At least you have a manual you can read - mine's in Japanese. (Ok, I've got the pdf version on my computer somewhere....).

I once worked out how to fire the flash remotely. Then I couldn't do it again: nothing worked. A few weeks later I noticed the switch on the flash - it's Off, Remote, On. ;-)

I haven't used it very much, really.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

06/02/2008 12:42:18 AM · #3

Int he same boat here. I think lighting is as much art as science.

robs

Canon EOS R6 Mk II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

06/02/2008 12:45:03 AM · #4

I've been playing in the Strobist pool for the last 18mths and it's helped a lot... start there if you want manual flash.

If you want to do the eTTL path, check out Chuck's site as it's VERY good for eTTL.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

06/02/2008 02:41:26 PM · #5

Originally posted by robs:

Thanks..I'll take a look

Mr_Pants

SiPix Blink

06/02/2008 02:47:40 PM · #6

Originally posted by robs:

If you want to do the eTTL path, check out Chuck's site as it's VERY good for eTTL.

Wow, that's pretty well packed with management-speak.

citymars

Nikon D700

06/02/2008 03:03:23 PM · #7

Originally posted by jpochard:

I've decided that learning about a camera is NOTHING compared to trying to decipher the ins and outs of using a flash properly.

You are certainly not alone in feeling this. I'm completely intimidated by my external flash and have tried it exactly once. Of course I intend to pick it up again soon and really concentrate and learn, but for now I postpone.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

06/02/2008 06:16:29 PM · #8

Originally posted by Mr_Pants:

Originally posted by robs:

If you want to do the eTTL path, check out Chuck's site as it's VERY good for eTTL.

Wow, that's pretty well packed with management-speak.

I'm very good with step by step instructions. Problem I'm running into is that most "how to" lighting sites assume a degree of previous knowledge that I guess I just don't have. Is that what you mean by "management speak?"

If they say check you flash's distance level or set the zoom...etc, I'm already lost. For the longest time I couldn't even figure things out because the button on the bottom of my flash was set to "slave", so it didn't correspond with most of what I was reading.

My ultimate goal is to use flash in such a way that it's not evident that I'm using it, so I don't want to just slap it on auto and run with it.

A few important questions that will help me figure out other things:

1. If my flash is set to manual and my camera is set to manual, does one affect the setting on another at all?

2. If the camera is on manual, but the flash is set on ettl or ttl is the exposure level I'm reading on the camera (the bar in the viewfinder) already taking into account the flash? If so, then wouldn't it normally be about midrange on the level unless I'm exceding the capabilities of the flash to overcome the camera settings?

3. If I want to expose for the background and just use the flash for fill, are there settings I can use for that to happen automatically or do I have to do it all on manual? If I use an exposure lock (or whatever that's called) on the camera does that translate to the flash as well?

I'm really showing my ignorance here, but I suppose that's the only way to learn.

bergiekat

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

06/02/2008 06:24:34 PM · #9

Originally posted by jpochard:

Originally posted by Mr_Pants:

Originally posted by robs:

If you want to do the eTTL path, check out Chuck's site as it's VERY good for eTTL.

Wow, that's pretty well packed with management-speak.

I'm very good with step by step instructions. Problem I'm running into is that most "how to" lighting sites assume a degree of previous knowledge that I guess I just don't have. Is that what you mean by "management speak?"

If they say check you flash's distance level or set the zoom...etc, I'm already lost. For the longest time I couldn't even figure things out because the button on the bottom of my flash was set to "slave", so it didn't correspond with most of what I was reading.

My ultimate goal is to use flash in such a way that it's not evident that I'm using it, so I don't want to just slap it on auto and run with it.

For all of these reasons and many more...I don't own an external flash yet! Scares me to death. (Stupid part is I have one for my ancient 35mm. I have a light set still in the box, too!) Whew...glad I'm not the only one... Hang in there Judy...

A few important questions that will help me figure out other things:

1. If my flash is set to manual and my camera is set to manual, does one affect the setting on another at all?

2. If the camera is on manual, but the flash is set on ettl or ttl is the exposure level I'm reading on the camera (the bar in the viewfinder) already taking into account the flash? If so, then wouldn't it normally be about midrange on the level unless I'm exceding the capabilities of the flash to overcome the camera settings?

3. If I want to expose for the background and just use the flash for fill, are there settings I can use for that to happen automatically or do I have to do it all on manual? If I use an exposure lock (or whatever that's called) on the camera does that translate to the flash as well?

I'm really showing my ignorance here, but I suppose that's the only way to learn.

Uh, where the h&%% did my post go....see, THIS is why I don't have an external flash...and why I've left my lighting kit from Christmas in the box...I can't even make a stinkin' post and do it correctly, lol! Sheeesh! Hang in there Judy...

Message edited by author 2008-06-02 21:15:16.

kawesttex

Apple iPhone 11 Pro

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

06/02/2008 06:34:57 PM · #10

If there is enough ambient light you can drag the shutter and it works pretty well. I'll try to explain how I do it and it's not necessarily the right way.

I usually set my ISO to 200-400 (depends on how bright the ambient light is, the brighter the light the lower the ISO)

Then set to shutter priority and about 1/40.

I use a Stofen Omnibounce with my flash straight up and on Auto. If it's a fairly long shot (>30ft) I will point the flash straight forward.

This also works pretty good for fill flash with a window behind. Minor adjustments may need to be made as you move around and light changes but I can make the changes pretty quick and it becomes pretty easy with practice.

Going to look for a shot to post!

ETA:

(Going for the exif now, this shot had no editing except for resize and SFW)

ETA: This shot was in a room that had flourescent lighting and as you can see a pretty bright patio door behind them. This was during the day so the shutter was set a little faster than explained earlier.

Here is the EXIF:
File: - C:\Documents and Settings\Ken West\My Documents\2008FDR\0514Registration\IMG_4200.JPG

Make - Canon
Model - Canon EOS 40D
Orientation - Top left
XResolution - 72
YResolution - 72
ResolutionUnit - Inch
DateTime - 2008:05:14 17:31:47
YCbCrPositioning - Co-Sited
ExifOffset - 208
GPSInfo - 8698
ExposureTime - 1/50 seconds
FNumber - 8
ExposureProgram - Shutter priority
ISOSpeedRatings - 400
ExifVersion - 0221
DateTimeOriginal - 2008:05:14 17:31:47
DateTimeDigitized - 2008:05:14 17:31:47
ComponentsConfiguration - YCbCr
ShutterSpeedValue - 1/49 seconds
ApertureValue - F 8.00
ExposureBiasValue - -0.33
MeteringMode - Multi-segment
Flash - Flash fired, compulsory flash mode
FocalLength - 28 mm
FlashPixVersion - 0100
ColorSpace - sRGB
ExifImageWidth - 3888
ExifImageHeight - 2592
FocalPlaneResolutionUnit - Inch
CustomRendered - Normal process
ExposureMode - Auto
WhiteBalance - Manual
SceneCaptureType - Standard
Quality - Fine
Flash mode - External flash
Focus mode - One-Shot
Image size - Large
Easy shooting mode - Manual
Digital zoom - None
Contrast - Normal
Saturation - Normal
Metering mode - Evaluative
Focus type - Auto
Exposure mode - Tv-priority
Focal length - 28 - 135 mm (1 mm)
Flash details - External TTL
White Balance - Flash
Image Type - Canon EOS 40D

Message edited by author 2008-06-02 19:03:53.