Flash settings off camera

[markimage]

I want to take a few portrait shots without spending loads on equipment that I wont use enough.
I have a Canon 580ex and 430ex and a shoot through brolley + a reflector brolley.
I am firing the flash with a cheapie system with no control.
What settings should I use in the Manual mode for the flash for best results.
Had a play around using 1/125 + f13 and a 50% setting on the flash but the light is a little harsh.

 

[Phil V]

I want to take a few portrait shots without spending loads on equipment that I wont use enough.
I have a Canon 580ex and 430ex and a shoot through brolley + a reflector brolley.
I am firing the flash with a cheapie system with no control.
What settings should I use in the Manual mode for the flash for best results.
Had a play around using 1/125 + f13 and a 50% setting on the flash but the light is a little harsh.

'Settings' won't change the harsh light. Have a think about the problem and the answer is right there.

And if you can't work that through, try buying 'the speedlighters handbook' by Syl Arena. The quality of light is what you're taking control of, you've fallen into the new photographer trap of thinking that it's all about the 'quantity'.

It's because the sage advice for newbies is always about exposure. Which, whilst important, should be understood then taken for granted.

 

[simonbarker]

What settings should I use in the Manual mode for the flash for best results.

The problem here is there isn't a best, Phil's answer may sound a bit cryptic but he's right it goes beyond having enough light to make a correct exposure and you're supposed to be thinking in terms of what kind of look do you want to achieve.

 

[markimage]

Many thanks.

 

[Blank_Canvas]

Distance (light source to subject) affects flash exposure, and can cause the flash to cast harsh light unless it is suitably defused, because the inverse square law affects all light. By moving the flash back from the subject this can can soften it. Try reducing the power on the the flash to the minimum setting as a a starting point.

 

[HoppyUK]

For a good, basic result, just use the shoot-through at 3-4ft distance, above the eye-line and to one side of the camera. Set the 580 to 1/4 power (for faster recycle) and aperture to f/5.6 or f/8. Adjust ISO for best exposure. Focus on the eyes. Take it from there.

Distance (light source to subject) affects flash exposure, and can cause the flash to cast harsh light unless it is suitably defused, because the inverse square law affects all light. By moving the flash back from the subject this can can soften it. Try reducing the power on the the flash to the minimum setting as a a starting point.

Moving the light back will make the light harder, as it becomes relatively smaller compared to the subject (follows inverse square law). The larger the light source, the softer the shadows.

 

[markimage]

Thank you both.