In-Camera Readings

[tkrobinson]

I recently purchased a 430EX ii. Prior to use, I've read lots of threads in relation to flash and I have also view the links from some of the previous readings. It is alot of information to take in and it seems that I begin to confuse myself with info overload.

One of my main questions is inregards to what my exposure meter in-camera is reading as I am using my flash.

For example,

I am following the basis rule of 1/100 - 1/125 sec (roughly) f4-5.6, and ISO 200 for shooting inside of my house. When I do this, my exposure meter in-camera is usually flashing @ -2, but the pictures are looking IMO, pretty good.
Would this be normal?

Also, I have read alot about exposing for the background and allowing flash for subject. Am I to use the meter in-camera to get to +/-0 on the meter, then focus on subject with that setting and allow the flash to provide lighting? In the cases that I have done that, subject seems to be a little hot due to the longer exposure time. Is this when I would adjust the FEC?


I understand that all of the above settings are not concrete, there are more variables that create several different sittings. I am just looking for some general direction for flash settings to get it started off on the right foot. Sorry for all of the questions, that I am sure have been asked a million times. I have just read so much on the flash 101 and links I am starting to confuse myself.

Am I headed in the correct direction?

Trevor

[Titus213]

Your in-camera meter will not measure the flash (on most Canon bodies). And what you are doing is fine for indoors. The flashing -2 on the meter would indicate that flash will be the primary light source. You can certainly lower the shutter speed and/or raise the ISO to pick up more ambient indoors too.

Generally look at flash photography as two exposures in one. The first is the ambient measured with the camera meter to give you the amount of light you want/can get in the BG.

The second is the flash. The flash exposure can be handled by the ETTL function in the case of the 430EX. You can achieve a more balanced look between ambient and flash with Flash Exposure Compensation.

[tkrobinson]

Thanks, Titus. So as I increase the ambient exposure, I will have to pay close attention to my FEC so I do not create too hot of a subject. Is that it in a nut shell?

[Titus213]

Yes, balance the ambient with FEC. Just watch out for getting too hot. Outdoors I generally underexpose my BG a bit when using flash. Indoors it's more of a battle with shutter speed in the other direction although the flash will let you get pretty low as long as your subjects aren't moving too fast.