Got my 430EX! Tips?

[perryge]

I just got my 430EX and I love it! I spent a week reading about external flash units, playing with them, and browsing this forum (all that reading really rubbed in the whole 'you must get one of these' mentality, even though I am gonna get my butt kicked for spending more on my camera). So, I am fine with operating the unit, using bounce flash, interpreting guide numbers, using manual mode, RTFM done, and all that, so my question is this:

Do you have any special or secret tips or techniques that you use with the speedlite that you'd like to share? What's your favourite speedlite technique? I'd love to start using it creatively, beyond just the basics.

[DavidW]

My not-so-secret tip is to experiment with what you can do, and learn how your flash, camera and lenses work together. There's nothing like having the feel of what settings to use in what situations.

Depending on what you're wanting to do with the Speedlite, you may find a flash bracket useful (for which you will need an Off Shoe Cord 2 or 3, or another manufacturer's equivalent) - but you shouldn't just spend money for the sake of it. Learn your equipment, including its limitations - and only look to spend money when you feel those limitations keenly.



David

[perryge]

David, I completely agree about the money point! Haha I try to have as good a price to quality ratio as possible with purchases (check the gear in my sig!).

I was just wondering if anybody had any techniques with the unit that they really like to use, the kinds of techniques that one might not, for example, find in the manual or find easily online.

Would one use a flash bracket for anything other than repositioning the flash? If my dad or a friend has a 580EX for example, I could just use that as a wireless master, and position the flash anywhere externally, right (obviously it would have to be borrowed :P)?

[Curtis N]

Take it one step at a time.
Think about where the light will be coming from - from your subject's perspective.
Then think about what shadows that will produce on your subject, and behind your subject.
Think about where you need to put the light (what you can bounce it off) to create the kinds of shadows you want.

[perryge]

That's fantastic advice, thanks Curtis. Question - could you explain the 'from your subject's perspective' part a bit more? I've never thought about it that way before, and have always just considered how the light is going to hit the subject, and what shadows will look like, in terms of what the camera will capture.

[JAcosta]

Taking pictures of people in a dimly lit room, I normally go full ETTL on the flash, bounce the flash, ISO 200 f/4.0, 1/15 second shutter speed.

Dragging the shutter FTW

[perryge]

JAcosta, do you get a lot of camera shake at 1/15? How do you avoid it? IS? Tripod? 2nd curtain sync?

[JAcosta]

The flash will work with you on freezig the subject while allowing the backround to be better exposed for. As far as camera shake, just remember to hold it as still as you can and the camera will be very forgiving using the flash.

[Curtis N]

could you explain the 'from your subject's perspective' part a bit more?Imagine the angle and apparent size of the light source that your subject will see.

For example, I see a lot of people angling their flash at 45 degrees. Sometimes this works fine. But with the right distance and ceiling height, it can sometimes light up the ceiling directly over the subject's head. The shadow patterns produced by this kind of light are wonderful - if you want to make your subject look old and tired. ;)

[jm4ever]

Sorry I'm not trying to hijack but I have this flash as well and was just wondering what camera mode most of you use for portraits? Manual, Av, Tv or auto. I've tried Av for people and the results were not so good because the camera chose such a slow shutter speed and I ended up with too much camera shake.

James

[In2Photos]

Sorry I'm not trying to hijack but I have this flash as well and was just wondering what camera mode most of you use for portraits? Manual, Av, Tv or auto. I've tried Av for people and the results were not so good because the camera chose such a slow shutter speed and I ended up with too much camera shake.

James
For indoor shots I use M mode and allow the flash to be my main light. Outdoors I use Av and let the flash be fill.