going a bit nuts!!!!! Please Help!

[Mx3]

Hello I'm new here and also new with my G9. I took some good pic's BUT I didn't use the flash right (1st timer with the flash!) I just got the Corel paint shop pro XI......... I have no clue where to start........



Could I please get so feed back

[Mx3]

pic 2


I also don't know how to rsize!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[steven]

I don't have a G9 (yet) but your problem is common to all cameras. The problem is that the built in meter is wanting to expose the entire frame exactly the same, but you flash is only truly lighting up a smaller area. So you end up with a bright subject. There are two ways you can try to fix this; one is to use spot metering (not positive if G9 has this) and two use exposure control to tell the camera you don't need the picture so bright.

[steven]

Having gone back and re-read everything I'm not sure I answered the question as I'm not too sure what the question is.

Could you restate? Thanks

[Kevan]

Need a glass of water?

The camera has the ability to adjust the level of flash needed. Refer to the manual and perhaps by decreasing the flash intensity you can avoid over exposing the shot (though those two shots look pert-near perfect. I don't know Corel but all these apps have a resizing feature likely located in one of the drawdown menu selections.

Everyone is a beginner at some time. Tag! You're it!

[denncald]

They look pretty good for your first shots. I would also recommend you go to Scenes (SCD on top dial), then select Indoor (rotate the outer control dial to move through the selections). This will help your indoor shoots to look a little more natural.

Also, you might want to invest in a small reference book for Paint Shop Pro, here is one to consider;

http://www.amazon.com/Paint-Shop-Pro...7101461&sr=1-1

You may also want a helpful book on the G9, this one might help you get your thoughts organized on your new camera;

http://www.amazon.com/Short-Course-C...7102132&sr=1-1

keep learning and practicing, we all have to,
Dennis

PS I've had my G9 for 6 days, but I've used a Canon A620 for two years, it also has all the manual features, but not as many as the G9.

[Mx3]

I will look into the books. Now the 1st pic I made it B/W and it looks really great.
The 2nd pic It looks different now I guess the resize makes it look like less quality?

[Bob_A]

I don't recommend using the SCN feature unless you just want the camera for point and shoot and don't want to learn how to control the outcome.

No matter what mode you are using the flash metering system is sometimes going to get the wrong result. If there is a lot of black, a lot of white, shiny elements, etc the flash output will not be correct.

If you can see that the camera is having problems getting the correct flash exposure for a particular situation try focusing on the persons face, press the * button (FEL = flash exposure lock) while keeping the shutter half depressed then finish taking the picture.

You sometimes will also need to use a bit of FEC (flash exposure compensation, pg 149 of the manual) if the camera is having difficulties getting the proper exposure.

[Mx3]

I have the 430 and 220speedlite flash I had the 430 on. Do you think I should of used the flash on the camera? I am looking into the books that denncald wrote on above.

430 or 220 what would you use on the two pic's I have up?

[CJinAustin]

pic 2 looks fine to me,,, the top one looks like you were just really close with a flash,, you can adjust the flash strength etc... but you also might try standing back a few more feet and using the zoom,, this tends to help without much fuss..

[young92]

Originally Posted by Mx3

I will look into the books. Now the 1st pic I made it B/W and it looks really great.
The 2nd pic It looks different now I guess the resize makes it look like less quality?

I just got my G9 and and I am working my way through the Short Course book by Dennis Curtin. I am only on page 55 or so, but it's a great book and I am very glad I got it. I think if you got it your pictures will improve a great deal and you will not be guessing how to solve the problems noted. It's about $35 or so, but well worth it.

[Bob_A]

Originally Posted by Mx3

I have the 430 and 220speedlite flash I had the 430 on. Do you think I should of used the flash on the camera? I am looking into the books that denncald wrote on above.

430 or 220 what would you use on the two pic's I have up?

You will get consistently better results using a 220EX or 430EX instead of the built in flash.

The 430EX gives you:

1. MUCH better range
2. The ability to use bounce flash for softer light and reduction or elimination of harsh shadows
3. MUCH lower chance of having red eye issues.

No matter how powerful the flash is, you will get the same exposure as the on-board flash. In other words, if the image is over-exposed with the on-board flash it have the same over-exposure with the Speedlite (and vice versa).

Flash metering has problems just like in-camera metering has problems in non-flash situations (Av and Tv mode). To get consistently good results you need to be comfortable with:

FEC - Flash Exposure Compensation
FEL - Flash Exposure Lock

along with understanding that whatever is being metered the flash exposure calculations are trying to achieve 18% grey. So, if you took a picture of a white sheet of paper the final image will be underexposed and overexposed for a black sheet of paper. This is why flash metering is often totally wrong if the subject is wearing black clothing or white clothing and the area with the clothing is dominant in the calculations that are performed.

For the tough situations you shoot, check the histogram, adjust FEC and then take another shot. Or meter off of a face, press the * button to lock the exposure at the focus point then take the shot.

[Bob_A]

Originally Posted by CJinAustin

pic 2 looks fine to me,,, the top one looks like you were just really close with a flash,, you can adjust the flash strength etc... but you also might try standing back a few more feet and using the zoom,, this tends to help without much fuss..

Agree, both look properly exposed, it's just that the baby's forehead acted as a wicked reflector. To get rid of the reflection the OP could move further away, use a softbox (like a Lumiquest Mini Softbox) or bounce the flash off the ceiling (if it's white).

[Mx3]

I just ordered the two books. Thanks.
When I need to shoot a big crowed like this pic what do you guys recommend? I used the 430EX with the flash pointing forward. The ceiling was yellowish. I think I'm too hard on myself Not sure.....

[BottomBracket]

Bouncing works well here, just remember to shoot in RAW so that you can correct the white balance later. If the group is layered in depth such as this there will be uneven lighting of faces so it is best to arrange them along an imaginary plane so that most will be equidistant to the camera. Take some time too to shove th tables and chairs aside, it only takes a few seconds with helpers, and it will yield more pleasant results.