Lighting Harry

[dishingthedivine]

I just got a new nifty flash for my camera, and I'm trying to figure out how to best utilize it. 65 pictures later today, I landed on exactly one that may have had any merit. What do you think about the lighting on this? Obviously, given that the flash is new, this is my focus these days. We'll worry about composition again later.


Model = Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi
Exposure Time = 1/50"
F Number = F9
Exposure Program = Aperture priority
ISO Speed Ratings = 200
Flash = Flash fired, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length = 50mm

[Chip]

For me, the best starting place to learn about flash was this planet neil site. The "flash photography techniques" articles 1-15 in the blue box on the fight of the page do a very nice job of explaining flash and the complexities it introduces.

Another good site is the Lighting 101 section of this strobist blog. A bit more detailed, but very good.

The most important thing for me to understand and learn about flash was that putting the camera in manual exposure mode was the key. By doing so, predictable flash results are possible, regardless of whether you're using TTL flash or manual flash.

Your exif info says that you were in aperture priority mode, which likely caused the variation in your 64 other shots.

If you have other questions about flash, maybe posting in the lighting section will give you more and better responses?

Hope this helps.

Have fun!

[Evn1ngStar]

I don't work with flash, so I can't really comment on that, but I did want to say that Harry is a very handsome fellow. Give him a pet from me

[dishingthedivine]

Originally Posted by Chip

For me, the best starting place to learn about flash was this planet neil site. The "flash photography techniques" articles 1-15 in the blue box on the fight of the page do a very nice job of explaining flash and the complexities it introduces.

Another good site is the Lighting 101 section of this strobist blog. A bit more detailed, but very good.

The most important thing for me to understand and learn about flash was that putting the camera in manual exposure mode was the key. By doing so, predictable flash results are possible, regardless of whether you're using TTL flash or manual flash.

Your exif info says that you were in aperture priority mode, which likely caused the variation in your 64 other shots.

If you have other questions about flash, maybe posting in the lighting section will give you more and better responses?

Hope this helps.

Have fun!

A lighting section??? I had no idea! My gosh... I'm already addicted to this site. Crap. Now I can see that I have yet one more thing I'll have to read up on daily!!!!

thanks for the head's up...

[Chip]

Originally Posted by dishingthedivine

A lighting section??? I had no idea! My gosh... I'm already addicted to this site. Crap. Now I can see that I have yet one more thing I'll have to read up on daily!!!!

thanks for the head's up...

It is a great site, isn't it?

Just remember: you're smarter than your camera!

With practice and attention to results, you'll soon start to know, before you press the shutter, how your camera and flash will respond in a given situation. You can then adjust your settings ahead of time. You're "bad" shots will then start to improve, and it won't take as many adjustments to get it right in camera.

Much to learn, but it's fun.