How to get crystal clear rear-sync pics?

hey all

I just bought a Canon 580EX II today (and I LOVE IT), but flash photography seems to be a science all it's own. I attempted some rear-sync photos today, but none of them turned out very well. Everything was essentially blurry.

What do you mean by "rear synced". Are you referring to Second Curtain Sync? Also, did you bounce the flash, or do direct flash? Just judging by your photo's (Can't see any EXIF in them), the flash was not bright enought to freeze the action. It looks like it somewhat froze the action on the second one, but it's so faint that it's hard to tell.

To me, it looks you need to set your exposure for 1.5-2.0 stops under the ambient exposure. The only time I have trouble dragging the shutter is when I allow too much ambient, which is a real problem if you have a lot of mixed lighting sources since they'll bleed into what you've flashed - changing the temp or washing them out.

bigBlue: yeah i meant 2nd curtain sync. I used direct flash for these...yeah the freezing is really faint.

Philco: good info!

Too much ambient light exposure. Underexpose the ambient and let the flash be the "real" exposure. But don't underexpose it too much or you won't see any motion.

I'm not sure what you are trying to accomplish with the 2nd curtain sync. What is the picture you want?

Never mind, I got it....

I want the finish of the move - so when he's starting low on the holds, he'll be somewhat blurry, but after the dynamic move to the top, his feet sorta swing out if he sticks it, and THAT'S the pic I want at the end. Blurry beginning, sweet, clear finish.

Turn down your EC.
Turn up your FEC.