matias_orchard Posted November 25, 2007 Share Posted November 25, 2007 Hello there, I've just gotten my 430EX, and would like to know what should be the first non-full-auto technique to use it in portrait photography. I'm interested in outside portraits, and it should be used to fill-in lighting, but even then, I would like to know what I should do with my 30D to start getting the most out of my 430EX. Thanks in advance. Cheers, MO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles_Webster Posted November 25, 2007 Share Posted November 25, 2007 Read these tutorials http://super.nova.org/DPR/ Chuck Gardner shows you exactly how to get great looking portraits with minimal equipment. <Chas> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asterios m. Posted November 25, 2007 Share Posted November 25, 2007 If you would really like to take your portraiture to the next level with artificial lights, I recommend you take a look at strobist.blogspot.com. using flashes on the camera's optical axis can have an unappealing effect on the subject which can be remedied by take the flash off-camera to create some shadow modelling. give it a try. It takes a little bit more gear and technical know-how but i think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doug_holcomb Posted November 25, 2007 Share Posted November 25, 2007 I agree with Asterios, the strobist blog is wonderful, filled with very helpful information, (i found the "lighting 101" part the most helpful). this blog made me rethink my shooting style. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stock-Photos Posted November 25, 2007 Share Posted November 25, 2007 For a great enhancement to flash lit portraits, I strongly recommend Joe Demb's Flip-it! You can bounce and fill without harshness and heavy shadows. http://www.dembflashproducts.com/ Direct flash, even fill, rarely offers a flattering light. Diffused/reflected flash is all the rage. Be aware your flash reach will be reduced using a reflector. I discovered reflected flash after trying the pull-out card reflector built into my 580 EX. The Flip-it will be the best thing you ever bought for $30.00. It will make your flash sing! Gary Fong's Light Sphere is an over-priced piece of Tupperware! (sorry Gary!) All kidding aside, the light sphere may be a good product too, I have not tried it. To answer your question, I think many wedding photographers who use flash, shoot in aperture priority mode. That could be a start for you. Avoid the green idiot mode, and avoid the P mode as they often just set the camera for 1/60 and F4 when flash is present, and the ambient light in might not expose correctly. Can you tell I'm no fill flash expert? Search photo.net or some search engine (other than Google, we don't want to give them a monopoly) for Fill Flash Tips ! Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zigzag Posted November 25, 2007 Share Posted November 25, 2007 First investigation: Place in Av mode which will default to the use of fill-in flash. Set the speedlite to E-TTL. The camera is now reading (reflected) ambient and the flash is to be used for fill. Select a suitable distance from your subject and take a photo, chances are you will have the 'rabbit in the headlights' look or maybe overexposed. Now, on the 30D body you have the capability to do flash exposure compensation (small button on the top right hand side). Try dialing this down, 1 stop and 2 stops and see what effect you get. Note the Aperture and Shutter speed settings you have and switch to Manual ('M') mode - re-enter these settings. Now try varying the shutter speed and taking photos - try varying the Flash exposure settings on your camera body again - and learn how to do it also on the Speedlite body. Read the 30D manual, read the Speedlite manual, read 'Lighting 101' at strobist, take lots of photos - record what you do. Consider getting an OSCS2 cable to take your speedlite off-camera. <br><br> Learn about Stofens and diffusers (I have the tupperware thing but the knock-offs on ebay look exactly the same and probably do the same, minus the DVD that comes with it.). Learn about Guide Numbers and why the flash manufacturers lie whan they quote it (it's almost always a lower figure.) Try stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matias_orchard Posted November 26, 2007 Author Share Posted November 26, 2007 Guys, Many thanks for your comments. I've read some good sites giving tips for flash photography, although my main interest is in fill-in flash info ;-) , and still have lots to read, learn and practice... but the starting points is there... and I needed that. Cheers, MO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenPapai Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 The most recommended site for Flash Bible is here: http://www.photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/ enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matias_orchard Posted November 27, 2007 Author Share Posted November 27, 2007 This is exactly what I've been reading... and already learned a lot... my only concern is that it gets complicated as I move on... B-) Cheers, MO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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