Flash gun 101

[UKbob]

Iv been commissioned to shoot a fashion show dinner/dance doodah this weekend, only Ive not really taken many people shots before. Nor have I ever used a flash gun. Not getting paid. Alcohol wasnt on the bartering list, so I settled for a free food for two instead

Client knows I only shoot food in a studio and isnt expecting the best results in the world, but Id still appreciate some tips for consideration to help provide the best possible photos.

I assume you clip it on and it works automatically? 430 ex IIRC (cheers ed )

Has anyone got a helpful handful of portrait and full body, indoor flash gun shooting tips or advice to share? What manual settings should I use, and does the gun sense when the aperture changes (unlike my studio lights) and compensate automatically? If not, should I use one setting all night, to ensure consistent results?

How many shots does one get with a new set of energisers?

Thanks in advance

ok, Ive just had a play, megy recommended P setting which is fully auto
Learnt the diffusing trick - Bogroll and tape! What a difference!

I was worried Id need to learn how to program it but it seems to work brilliantly

Edited by UKbob on Friday 6th July 12:09

[omohat]

For everything flash related the best resourse I can recommend is Strobist. Its aimed at off camera flash but does explain the basics of how to set flash exposure. Hoever if the event is this weekend then you've got no chance of going through and understanding everything there so you might be better off having a look at a better bounce card. If the celieng of the venue is low enough you might get better results by bouncing the flash than diffused direct flash.

[poah]

use NiMh batteries bob, normal ones don't last long. take a few and see what the results are like then adjust the flash exposure compensation and exposure compensation to suit. if you have a diffuser then use that as it will soften the light but remmeber it will also rob you of about 1 stop of flash. the flash will work as fill unless you set to to manual where it will output inorder to illuminate the subject. if the people are standing still then I suggest setting to manual ISO 400 f4 1/20s and see what happens