Speedlite 430EX

mattchewone

mattchewone

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Hi im new to this site. I have a Canon 400D with the kit lens and a Sigma 70-300mm lens. I have recently bought a Speedlite 430EX and was looking for a bit of guidance im a bit of a noob.
When i was indoors at a wedding reception the lighting was really poor and my subject was 5-6feet away i guess and the flash did help but the subject was still quite dark. I was only using Auto mode as didnt want to spend hours fiddling as i wasnt there long. If i was to keep the flash on ETTL and put the camera on Manual, how would i adjust the shutter speeds without the camera thinking the picture will be underexposed because the flash will help light up the object?
Many Thanks

Matt
 
Anyone give any guidance on this at all? Or any other site were there is a help guide or something to do with camera settings and flash?
 
Using the camera on Auto I think the the camera defaults to 1/60 and sets the aperture to wide open. Sorry I don't have a 400D but I think it's the same with most Canon's.

The shutter speed is in most cases irrelevant as the governing factor is the flash duration. The only exception is the shutter speed must be the same as or lower than the cameras "sync" speed. This prevents partial frame exposure due to the Focal Plane Shutters trialling blind.

In this case the exposure is really being controlled by the flash not the camera. However you may want to include some " ambiance" into the shot so that the subjects don't look as though they are in a black hole. You do this by balancing the exposure and aperture. It takes a bit of trial and error to get the balance as you want it, but the LCD screen on the back of the camera will help. Try working at about 1/60 and take a few experimental shots at different apertures to get the result you want. Don't forget the idea is not to get the background perfectly exposed ( If you could do that you wouldn't need the flash) but just to show that there is something there.

Don't forget to take the camera off M when you have finished!!!
 
Will have a go tonight in my room. Thanks for the help guys much appreciated!
 
I have read that to make foreground subjects pop out from the background they should be 2 stops brighter than the background.

Hope this helps.

I am new to all this flash malarkey as well, still trying to get to grips with the complexities. One book I have gained a lot of information from is Photojournalism: The Professionals Approach by Kenneth Kobre. It has a chapter dedicated to flash use and it is really, really helpful. If you are interested in photojournalism pick up a copy of the latest edition, it is a bout 30 quid from Amazon. If not, there will be cheaper books out there that will explain how to get the most from your flash (or the freebie article links given above).

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

subseasniper
 
Bit of a newbie question but how do i know or set the camera so that the subject is 2stops brighter than the background?
 
Will be going to a party tonight which will be dark and poor lighting. When i tried last time i think i had it at ISO - 400, and the flash was pointing straight at the subject, auto white balance was being used.
Did not have the flash on high speed sync.
 
Depends on the height of the ceiling.If it's normal room height bouncing it may be OK. If it's a hall your probably better off with it pointing at the subject.
Wouldn't worry to much about high speed flash as this gives a flash duration of1/250 sec or faster. I don't think you subjects will be moving that fast.

Try manual 1/60th a f8. Do a couple of tests before you go and make sure it's OK.
Also don't forget the flash will only work over a reasonably short distance 10-15 ft. So don't try and illuminate the Albert Hall with it.

Enjoy the party
 
I shallnt be trying to illuminate a whole hall don't worry lol. I shall give what you suggested a try and see how I get on. Many thanks for your replies.
 
at the party now on my iPhone but unfortunatly my batteries for my flash have died. Bummer. The settings seem to work ok on the internal flash a little over exposed but nothing that can't be fixed. Cheers for the help
 
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