Which mode to use to setup SB900 with Umbrella?

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by mrdale

With the SB set to remote and the camera set to commander and manual for group A the option is 1/1 and decreases from there. How are you adjusting ?

1/1 is full power
1/2 is half power (1 stop down)
1/4 is quarter power (2 stops down from 1/1)
etc

As you adjust the values in the camera, it adjusts the power the flash uses. The camera tells the flash what to use just like in the TTL system, but you're telling the camera instead of the camera deciding for itself.

[mrdale]

I understand about decreasing power. What I want to do is increase power and the only way to achieve that is to use TTL and + compensation on the flash. I've found that when shooting with an umbrella or with the diffusion dome I'm usually about a full stop under exposed so I need to add power. Another example, gelling the flash for a background effect often I need more power to get the color I want. Works in most situations.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by mrdale

I understand about decreasing power. What I want to do is increase power and the only way to achieve that is to use TTL and + compensation on the flash. I've found that when shooting with an umbrella or with the diffusion dome I'm usually about a full stop under exposed so I need to add power. Another example, gelling the flash for a background effect often I need more power to get the color I want. Works in most situations.

Even in TTL, you cant exposure compensate yourself beyond the flash's power. 1/1 is as strong as you get it. In manual you try 1/1 and go down from there

When you're using TTL, the flash isnt firing at full power. Far from. I've never needed to use full power on my flash.

Using Manual just makes things repeatable and consistent.

[SammyC]

What is the recommended zoom head position when using the flash with umbrellas?

[OsmosisStudios]

That depends, and can vary. If you set it to something "longer", then you'll get smaller and more concentrated light: if you use a wider setting, you'll end up with broader and smoother light. Try it out and see.

[Jojie]

Originally Posted by Eyad

Hi All,

What mode I shall setup for reflective umbrella shot? any specific points I should note?

I've always shot manual when it comes to off flash so I can't comment on the TTL bit (besides my gear won't let me do TTL anyway)

From my experiences they are all dependant on what you are trying to do. Best option is to set one up and play with it.

Whenever I do off flash, I have a predefined setting already -- mentally that is. Depending on how much lighting there is to offer prior to setting up the flashes. This means that I had to play around with them with different light settings.... including day light right at noon and against the sun to pitch black where I had to switch my lights on focus and switch all the lights off.. even then I can't get them right at first go..

but that said.. my PERSONAL experiences taught me to use MANUAL at everything.. Flash and Camera (except for focusing --) and do plenty of it....

given most of the lighting i've been in and the "tendencies" manly of my shots on shoot through umbrellas are ranging from 1/2-1/4 power, iso 100-200, f8-f11 and these are with decent room lighting too.

[Eyad]

Originally Posted by SammyC

What is the recommended zoom head position when using the flash with umbrellas?

For a 45" umbrella it's best to shoot at 14mm to accomodate for the big diameter. thiss will give you the widest light spread... any higher zoom than that will give more concentrated light.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Eyad

For a 45" umbrella it's best to shoot at 14mm to accomodate for the big diameter. thiss will give you the widest light spread... any higher zoom than that will give more concentrated light.

I wouldnt say 14mm. Thats *too* wide. Just leave the flash at it's widest setting without the wide-angle flip-down panel.