Nikon FG with SB-15 / tips needed.

[www.wesleyalmond.com]

I'll try my best to explain what I'm trying to accomplish from my flash.

 

For years with older non ttl cameras I would shoot some night scenes by flashing

the model, and using a slow shutter speed up to 3 seconds. This creates a

frozen subject yet the background can have a motion blur effect.

 

Overall I would "try" to properly expose the subject yet underexpose the

background a stop or two.

 

This is a common technique but I have no idea what to call it? And I need you

guys to understand before I ask for tips.

 

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Not a museum photo here but I think it explains the effect alittle, honestly

it's the only one I could find. The exposure was alittle too long here which is

why the background is so bright,

 

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Now I own a Nikon fg with a sb-15 flash, this has ttl flash and other automated

features I have not used before.

 

I want to know the easiest way to set this camera for:

1, Let the flash properly expose the closet object (person)

2, allow for a slow shutter speed yet underexpose the background alitle.

 

Could this be automated?

my head hurts now

[anthony_valvo]

Put the camera in manual mode. I think you will be limited to 1 sec on the shutter dial, but could use "B". Put the flash in A1 or A2 mode. This will disable the TTL and the flash will read the ambient light through its own sensor. The only problem you will have here is that I think the flash will fire as you open the shutter. What you like, ideally, is for it to fire as the shutter closes - rear curtain sync. This, however, is not a feature on the FG - I don't think. Still, you should get acceptable results.

[jack_l3]

If you use the "B" setting of the FG and set the flash to one of the "Auto" settings, the flash could be handheld and fired using its "Flash" button. That would allow you to manually fire the flash at the end of the exposure, just before you release the bulb.

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This is much easier with a body like the N6006/F-601. It has delayed rear curtain sync capability built-in. The body can expose the background properly without flash, then fire the TTL flash just before the shutter closes. I've used this to capture Christmas tree lights with the family gathered around. The tree and bulbs expose properly, and because the family members are shot with flash, there's little or no color cast from the artificial indoor lighting. Firing the flash at the end of the exposure also eliminates the tendency for subjects to move at the beginning of the exposure, thinking the shot is over. Incidentally, my Nikon gear includes several FGs, a SB-15 and several N6006s.

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Happy shooting!