Technical difficulties (++)

[Athena]

darn it.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3257/3230692665_d3d082aeb5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/byathena/3230692665/)

We went out to a park today with the intention of getting some family photos and nothing seemed to go right.

Within moments, we were all sweating.
The shade was broken everywhere we tried.
Sand got in the kids shoes.
Ants were everywhere.
Mossies were attacking.
And then to top it off, my 580ex would not fire my 430ex.

sigh.

Finally I gave up, packed all that kit back up and just went with natural light.
(whilst feeling very sorry for myself)

I need to figure out what is wrong with my speedlights. Or rather what is wrong with ME as I am very sure it is user error...

suggestions?

[blizzz]

on the bright side: sounds like a lot warmer than where I am. I trade your sand in the shoes for icicles ;-)

and your picture turned out great anyways!

[MonteMama]

That sounds like a horrible day... but that's a beautiful shot. I'd be pleased with it!

[Athena]

Thank you both for your lovely comments. It is quite hot here these days (most days as we are just north of the equator). I don't think I can trade for icicles though. I can't bear the cold! :)

I think I have figured out the problem - it's the contact between the camera and the 580ex. I am going to clean the contact and try again to see if the problem is resolved or happens again.

[Kristy]

This is a gorgeous shot... What is the problem? lol....

I think if you do a slight vignette or burn the edges of the frame... it will go a long way towards bringing the eye n towards the kiddos... :)

Beautiful shot IMO...

[CheetaPita]

i think its a gorgeous shot :)

[Pete]

The shot looks nice... Just goes to prove that natural light is better than artifical light sometimes... :D

[Athena]

You guys are SO great. I haven't been online much lately and come back to find sweet comments. :D

Kristy - I am definitely going to do your vignette idea before I print. thank you! :)

[Apollo11]

Athena,
Did you ever figure out the problem with the flash? I have had the same problem with my 430ex----when on slave, it is not firing. The first time I ever used it as a slave, it worked perfectly for the first few shots. It quit on me at that point and has never worked since when set to slave. I've tried setting the different channels and still nothing.
Any ideas?

[Athena]

Hi Andrew,

What are you triggering your 430ex with? Since you say you are setting channels I assume you are using a radio trigger? The 430ex should always be set to "slave off" and in manual mode when you use radio triggers.

My problem was the contact between my camera and the 580ex. I've cleaned both contacts with a pink eraser and now it's working like a charm. :D

[Donkey1137]

Hi Athena

I've had the same problem 580ex11 master and 430ex slave.

I have found that it works great inside a home / building but outside in the sun, I just cant get it to work :cry: but I will keep trying to find away.

Also it does not seem to work on any of the auto modes.. only the P and the other manual settings

any comments

Great photo of the kids BTW :)

Steve