580EX - Bounce vs. Catch Light vs. Wide Panel

[North]

I'm curious to see how others make decisions about which of the above flash techniques to use and under what conditions. I understand the basics of each technique but would like to see what light others can shed on the subject. (No pun intended!!!) :D

[tim]

I'm far from an expert, and everything i've learned is by trial and error. I use bounce for people if there's a low white roof, otherwise I use a diffiuser - an omnibounce. I also use the omnibounce if the flash is making the light to harsh, like when I was taking water drop photos.

I haven't really used the catchlight yet, but I read in the manual it's for getting a bit of a reflection in someones eyes. Their example picture was pretty crappy, and probably needed to be in color.

I look forward to reading what the experts do :)

[dpp]

Doesn't the omnibounce act the same as the Catch Light? I thought the Omnibounce not only diffused but if the flash is in bounce position it would refract the light as well.

[tim]

The omnibounce softens light and basically makes it like it's one larger, softer light. The catchlight, as I understand it, is when the flash is pointed up and the little panel's pulled out. That means it's bounce flash with a bit of direct flash too.

The just give different results. Try it and see :)