First Attempt w/ 430EX Flash - C&C And Tips

XTi w/ 430EX

First shots with flash from my honeymoon. How do they look for a first timer. Any basic tips for using the flash? I didn't have a diffuser with me to use so that was not an option. Hoping to grab a 580EX here soon so I can have some lighting fun with automotive photography which is my favorite.

Thanks. What do you think?

Theses are really cute pictures, I would try dragging the shutter on the first image or increase the ISO or both, that way you get more of the background into the picture. Keep in mind that you don't want much detail in the background so use a large aperture to get some blur.

On the second image I would do some cropping and eliminate all the extra stuff, the important part of the image is you guys. Since there is such a height difference you could try to seat her on the railing behind you with her arms crossed over your chest and her head on your shoulder, that way it might not appear as snapshotty.

I have a bad habit of doing it myself but try to keep the rule of thirds in mind, you dont want your subject in the center of the image.

Here is a quick edit, I hope you don't mind

RM

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I much rather prefer the original version as oppose to the crop version above.

Yeah yeah we all know about the rule of thirds, but once you know the rules, you should feel free to break them (a Scott Kelby quote, not mine).

The original wide angle version captures a fantastic mood to the photo by showcasing the tropical-esque environment that they're in. It kind of puts the subject in their place, so to speak.

The crop version completely ruins the mood/atmosphere of the photo - there's really no need to isolate the subjects to the extent above. There is certainly no difficulty figuring out who/what the main subjects are in the original version.

btw, to the OP, great job on the fill flash.

Thanks guys!

Keep them coming!

I like the wide view also for the atmosphere, however I would straighten the horizon on the second.

On #2, Is it me or it looks like the flash is ending about half way down her face? Where did you have the flash pointed? Where you using a diffuser?

No diffuser as said before. It was at 45 degrees I believe.

I know the 430 doesn't have a bounce card but try placing an index card on the flash head with a rubber band to shoot some more of the flash forward while still not being direct flash.

A diffuser would help just like the index card?

I really like the second shot. It really is amazing what a little fill flash can do. Great job of exposing for the beautiful sky background. On the first shot, I agree with Bucster, try exposing a bit more for the ambient so it doesn't look like the typical point and shoot flash shot. If you were using the nifty 50 you have, you could have shot wide open and gotten quite a bit of the background lighting, but more than enough blur to focus in on the subjects.

nice pics

vic6string wrote in post #5813124
I really like the second shot. It really is amazing what a little fill flash can do. Great job of exposing for the beautiful sky background. On the first shot, I agree with Bucster, try exposing a bit more for the ambient so it doesn't look like the typical point and shoot flash shot. If you were using the nifty 50 you have, you could have shot wide open and gotten quite a bit of the background lighting, but more than enough blur to focus in on the subjects.

nice pics

Can you explain "wide open" more in depth?

IE going from f/8 to like f/14 or something like that?

Wide open means shooting with the widest aperture the lens can shoot at. In the case of your 50mm (the nifty 50) wide open is f1.8. With your 18-55, Wide open depends on what focal length you are shooting at (at 18mm it is F3.5, at 55mm it is f5.6)

If you are just getting started and are serious about learning how to take better pictures, I strongly recommend viewing Canon's own DSLR tutorial web site:

http://www.canon.co.jp​/imaging/enjoydslr/ind​ex.html

It does a great job of teaching you the basics of exposure, and what all the terminology means.

Both photos show a lot of light fall off going from top to bottom. I think you said the flash was pointed up at 45 deg. That's bad.

Either point the flash directly at your subject or point it at something that will bounce the light to your subject. If you're shooting indoors and have a white ceiling, point the flash straight up to light the ceiling which will then light the room. You'll get great results. If you can't bounce it off a good neutral color reflector, then point the flash straight at the subject. Tilting the flash 45 deg up just means most of the light shoots over the subject and is wasted power.

Thanks for that tip.

Will check out the link!

Thanks guys!