Trying out my new flash

[Borris-Bear]

Just got a Canon Speedlite 430EX II for my camera. First time i've ever had a flash that isnt the on board one so been experimenting - this is the best shot i managed. Any tips and tricks for me?

[Speed addicted]

Read the manual, I've had the same flash for about 6 months and am still pressing and guessing!

[andy-xr]

Try setting your shutter speed to the max sync if you're keeping it in TTL mode as the flash tries to illuminate the whole scene for you.

I'm guessing that what you were after was a sharp well exposed shot that didnt have that on camera pop up feel? Even when on camera, a speedlight (being a slightly bigger lightsource) can be more flattering than the pop up, but they come alive when moved off camera.

[Borris-Bear]

Was taken with a 50mm at f1.8 with flash bounced off ceiling - was quite pleased with this one.

[RobDickinson]

One thing I've learned since getting my speedlight is shoot on manual.

Set the camera up for ambient then use the flash power and aperture for controlling the flash.

Much more fun when you can get the thing off camera too.

[TeaVR]

Borris-Bear said:

Was taken with a 50mm at f1.8 with flash bounced off ceiling - was quite pleased with this one.

You say you've shot it at 1.8. Importantly, eyes are crisp, so to be honest I'd expect little more. It's a nice image at the end of the day. You could try and bring the eyes out in PS e.g. selective sharpen, sponge in saturate mode.

If you're bouncing off large sources such as ceilings / walls that's a good start. Obviously this may not always be an option for you e.g. large room, high ceilings etc. Key is to try and make the light source as large as possible (provided it's soft light you are after). There are plenty of products out there to help with this e.g. http://www.dembflashproducts.com/

As someone else has already said, taking flash off camera (ocf) makes a massive difference, but be warned it is addictive Softboxes, shoot through brollies, reflectors, beauty dishes etc etc etc. All loads of fun - and sometimes frustrating!

Cheers,

TeaVr

www.davhughes.com

[D5M]

There's something imposing about the composition that leaves me unnerved.