SB900 - Advice please

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I got an SB900 a few months ago but haven't really used it, or any other speedlights for that matter.

I'd planned to plough through the manual during the long winter months and start the learning curve then.

However - Me and wifey are going to my sisters sons wedding on Saturday and my sister has (just) asked me to take a load of casual snaps.
There is a pro tog for all the usual.
My stuff will just be candid and casual stuff at the barbie and at her home later.

Can someone suggest some basic starting point settings on the SB900 for inside and outside shots.
I can then do some reading and experimenting tomorrow.
I just want to narrow it down a bit first.

I'll using my D300 with a 17-55mm 2.8 lens.
 
Stick it on the hotshoe and bounce off a low ceiling or wall?
This will stop any harse shadows from straight-on flash and will add some dimension to your photos.

If you have one also use a Stofen or Stofen-type diffuser on the flash whilst you angle the flash to bounce at a 45 degree angle.

If you are bouncing I would probably suggest a flash exposure compensation of about +1 or maybe even +2 if it's a taller ceiling
 
You don't generally need to use the flash on full power outside and can normally drop it a few stops to use as fill in flash. You can do this on the flash unit itself (I suspect also on the camera).
One thing to note on the SB900, if you hammer it on full power all the time, it will over heat. Bouncing it off a ceiling and using TTL will mean the flash will need to work harder but the results will obviously be better.
 
I'd use your pop up outside on -1 for fill in small shots and put the SB900 on for indoor stuff especially as you've got a nice sharp lens.
 
I use it on TTL indoors and bounce off the ceiling.......shouldn't really need it outside should you?

Make sure you have some decent batteries! ;)

And good point about it over heating......it will do if you take 10-20 shots in quick succession, so try and pace it out..... :D
 
Y15HAL said:
......shouldn't really need it outside should you?
Click to expand...

Yes you'll need it outside. Try -2 comp if it's overcast - just to give a little lift and a sparkle in the eyes. Try 0 comp if it's bright and sunny to lift shadows and lower the contrast. PRACTICE before you go! Bounce is good indoors if the ceilings are white - but you have a D300 so you can also up the ISO and maybe just use a little flash for added subtle sparkle.
 
Depends on the look you're trying to achieve. If all you're doing is to lift shadows outside in bright sunlight, then -2.0 or even -3.0 will be OK.
I always use the diffuser if the flash is on-camera in either direct or bounced mode - always.

Indoors, you can boost the power a bit, but in every situation, you'll have to guage the light levels and perform a test shot to get it right. No-one I know can assess a scene and get their flash output and balance the ambient light first time, every time without a couple of test exposures.
 
Thanks for all the help and advice guys
Some good tips and suggestions, much appreciated :thankyou:
 
Don't get under the pro togs feet. You may get a *******ing if you **** him/her off.
 
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