how? what? why? when?

ok, so i am completely and utterly lost when using flash. i have a 430EXII, i usually bounce it either straight up or at 45 degrees, always in E-TTL. beyond that, i am utterly clueless... i tried reading the manual, but that didnt help much.

i am not looking to set up a studio, and get into serious lighting with umbrellas, reflectors, etc. all i want to learn is how to use the flash properly (on- and off-camera). is there an online resource (other than strobist - that made my head hurt) that explains, clearly, to an idiot like me, how to use manual flash, to learn how to meter for flash, how to adjust power for exposure, etc...

thanks

Have you read the manual on how to work the flash, ie how to put it in manual mode, how to enable HSS, how to adjust the flash zoom. Also read about flash exposure compensation on your camera. Grab a white index card and a rubberband. Thats a super easy bounce flash card for the top of your flash. First at least learn how to turn on and off all the features so when someone gives you an idea they don't have to explain how to actually work your equipment.

doesnt flash zoom read the lens zoom, from 24-105mm?

i know how to put it into manual, and enable HSS.... problem is, i have no idea what to do after, how to use it, when to use it, etc

ekinnyc wrote in post #12764798
doesnt flash zoom read the lens zoom, from 24-105mm?

It can, but you can override that.

ekinnyc wrote in post #12764798
i know how to put it into manual, and enable HSS.... problem is, i have no idea what to do after, how to use it, when to use it, etc

Where to start...what are you trying to do with the flash?

After you read this book
Speedliters-Handbook/Syl-Arena
you shouldn't have any questions.

TheBurningCrown wrote in post #12764900
Where to start...what are you trying to do with the flash?

for now, just to learn how to use it, generally

Try Neil van Niekerk's Tangents. Or the book version of the Flash Photography Techniques bit.

You may also want to read EOS Flash Confusion to figure out why being in P mode with a flash is really different from being in Av mode with a flash. Learn to shoot in M.

ekinnyc wrote in post #12764930
for now, just to learn how to use it, generally

...right, but how? It's like asking "how do I take a picture," and wanting to know all of the techniques for every situation. There are thousands of possible answers and possible combinations.

What I mean is this: you said that for the time being you've just basically been putting it in ETTL and bouncing it. Why doesn't that work for you? Is there something wrong with the images? Are you not getting the results you want?

Get the Dean Collins Videos.

windpig wrote in post #12765107
Get the Dean Collins Videos.

+1 actually +1000000000000000 best videos ever they might be slightly dated but gosh they will open your eyes and you'll start to understand not only lights but photography in general.Higly recommended.

Check out this site...
http://super.nova.org/​DPR/Canon/Links.html/

The tutorial is for a 580ex but the principles can be applied to other flashes. The benefit to a 580ex is that it can be set up as a master or slave while the other canon flashes can only be set to slave.

With one flash, one of the best method is to bounce flash off of the ceiling. The surface that the light bounces off become the new light source. An alternative is to get an E-TTL cable (Canon OC-E3 or some other knock-off) to raise the flash higher than the lens axis. This will start casting shadows down to create a picture with more depth.

When I shoot flash, I shoot in M mode. I initially start with iso 100, f/5.6, and shutter speed at 1/125. If I want more of the background, I increase the iso, open up the aperture, and slow down the shutter speed to bring in more ambient light. You'll have to experiment to see what works best for your creative style.

When I used the flash for fill-light, I shoot in Av mode. I also decrease the flash power so that it doesn't overcome the ambient light.

I hope this info makes sense. If not, the website that I gave you will do a better job explaining.

The 580ex has a built in white card. The purpose of the white card is to create sparkles in the subject's eyes. If you look in the 580ex manual, they call the card "catch-light card." The card doesn't soften the light or bounce much light. Combining bounce flash with a white card works well. The bounce light provides the soft light while the catchlight card creates sparkle in the eye. The card should be used when outdoors or if you don't have a wall to bounce the light off of. If there isn't a wall, most of the light will be lost going out towards space. The amount of bounce you get off of the card isn't significant enough to light up your subject to create a flattering image.

ekinnyc wrote in post #12764675
ok, so i am completely and utterly lost when using flash. i have a 430EXII, i usually bounce it either straight up or at 45 degrees, always in E-TTL. beyond that, i am utterly clueless... i tried reading the manual, but that didnt help much.

i am not looking to set up a studio, and get into serious lighting with umbrellas, reflectors, etc. all i want to learn is how to use the flash properly (on- and off-camera). is there an online resource (other than strobist - that made my head hurt) that explains, clearly, to an idiot like me, how to use manual flash, to learn how to meter for flash, how to adjust power for exposure, etc...

thanks

Neil Van Niekerk books are a great resource for on and off camera flash (he has a book for each) http://www.amazon.com …thor=Neil%20van​%20Niekerk

Spend some money on a Gary Fong Lightsphere....I love using it outdoor as a fill light. Very soft lighting even aiming the flash head directly to the object. Bouncing off the ceiling works like a dream too~!

TheBurningCrown wrote in post #12765095
What I mean is this: you said that for the time being you've just basically been putting it in ETTL and bouncing it. Why doesn't that work for you? Is there something wrong with the images? Are you not getting the results you want?

i see what you are saying. on the occasion i need to use flash, bounce works (maybe i dont know any better). im one of those people that just needs to understand everything, or at least try to, i guess. even if i may not use it, id like to understand the idea behind using flash, so that i can round out my knowledge i guess.

Purplecow wrote in post #12765397
Check out this site...
http://super.nova.org/​DPR/Canon/Links.html/

The tutorial is for a 580ex but the principles can be applied to other flashes. The benefit to a 580ex is that it can be set up as a master or slave while the other canon flashes can only be set to slave.

With one flash, one of the best method is to bounce flash off of the ceiling. The surface that the light bounces off become the new light source. An alternative is to get an E-TTL cable (Canon OC-E3 or some other knock-off) to raise the flash higher than the lens axis. This will start casting shadows down to create a picture with more depth.

When I shoot flash, I shoot in M mode. I initially start with iso 100, f/5.6, and shutter speed at 1/125. If I want more of the background, I increase the iso, open up the aperture, and slow down the shutter speed to bring in more ambient light. You'll have to experiment to see what works best for your creative style.

When I used the flash for fill-light, I shoot in Av mode. I also decrease the flash power so that it doesn't overcome the ambient light.

I hope this info makes sense. If not, the website that I gave you will do a better job explaining.

The 580ex has a built in white card. The purpose of the white card is to create sparkles in the subject's eyes. If you look in the 580ex manual, they call the card "catch-light card." The card doesn't soften the light or bounce much light. Combining bounce flash with a white card works well. The bounce light provides the soft light while the catchlight card creates sparkle in the eye. The card should be used when outdoors or if you don't have a wall to bounce the light off of. If there isn't a wall, most of the light will be lost going out towards space. The amount of bounce you get off of the card isn't significant enough to light up your subject to create a flattering image.

thats...... pretty much greek to me.

never mind... just re-read the op's post.