580EX - Bounce vs. Catch Light vs. Wide Panel

I'm curious to see how others make decisions about which of the above flash techniques to use and under what conditions. I understand the basics of each technique but would like to see what light others can shed on the subject. (No pun intended!!!)

I'm far from an expert, and everything i've learned is by trial and error. I use bounce for people if there's a low white roof, otherwise I use a diffiuser - an omnibounce. I also use the omnibounce if the flash is making the light to harsh, like when I was taking water drop photos.

I haven't really used the catchlight yet, but I read in the manual it's for getting a bit of a reflection in someones eyes. Their example picture was pretty crappy, and probably needed to be in color.

I look forward to reading what the experts do

Doesn't the omnibounce act the same as the Catch Light? I thought the Omnibounce not only diffused but if the flash is in bounce position it would refract the light as well.

The omnibounce softens light and basically makes it like it's one larger, softer light. The catchlight, as I understand it, is when the flash is pointed up and the little panel's pulled out. That means it's bounce flash with a bit of direct flash too.

The just give different results. Try it and see