Manual config for flash - any pointers?

AndyB1976

AndyB1976

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Andy
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Hi everyone,


Just looking for some recommended reading online or in print regarding manual flash usage.

I already benefit from ETTL-II on the 580exII but to be honest, have no clue how it really works.

I am basically after the methods/techniques used to determine the manual settings prior to ETTL and its predecessors.

Is the answer a light meter, rule of thumb or just down to experience 'back in the day'?



Andy
 
I bought myself a flash meter and some Chris Burfoot DVD's from 'The Flash Centre'. The principles are well explained and the flash meter makes things even easier to work out. There is also a book/magazine (about £7) out at the moment in Tesco and WH Smith which takes you through many different auto and manual setups. I can't remember the exact title, but its something along the lines of 'Portrait Photography' and its a collection of various techniques both inside and out on location. Hope this helps for starters....
 
Read the Strobist 101 online and practice, practice, practice..
 
You can get a flash meter but the simplest thing is to just experiment - on the 'One Light' dvds Zack Arias says start at half power - why, well because you have to start somewhere. Then just add or subtract power until you have it where you want.

Don't forget, because of the Inverse Square Rule the distance between flash and subject will also affect the amount of light falling on your subject, take this into consideration also.
 
AndyB1976 said:
Hi everyone,


Just looking for some recommended reading online or in print regarding manual flash usage.

I already benefit from ETTL-II on the 580exII but to be honest, have no clue how it really works.

I am basically after the methods/techniques used to determine the manual settings prior to ETTL and its predecessors.

Is the answer a light meter, rule of thumb or just down to experience 'back in the day'?



Andy
Click to expand...

I think the simple answer you're looking for is the Guide Number. It's often incorporated into the model number of the gun and you'll notice that your 580EXII has a GN of 58, at full power, when zoomed to 105mm. GNs are usually stated in metres at ISO100, so if your subject is 4m away then 58/4=f/14.5. That's your lens aperture.

You need to understand the inverse square law, as mentioned. It's not difficult at all but absolutely fundamental to flash exposure. And there's a stack more stuff to know so just keep asking and shooting and asking some more.

This is a great book for Canon folks wanting to know how it all works. Right up to date too £19 from Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mastering-C...244X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1290702843&sr=8-2
 
Thanks for all your replies guys!

The guide number calculation is really the sort of thing I was after. I'll have a look at all your suggestions for further info.


Cheers



Andy:thumbs:
 
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