Light metering with flash?

[Dmitri]

This may be a silly question... When using off camera flash (I have the vivitar 285hv), how can you determine ambient lights and flash levels?

For example, suppose I wanted a photo with a person in the foreground, but showing the background. I know two lights (one for person, one for background) -- obviously you can meter the ambient light with the camera, but how would you know what the flash will do?

is it just trial and error every time? Like "Lets try it at 1/16. Too dark, ok how about 1/4?"

 

[table1349]

Light meter. Sekonic makes several good ones.

 

[Dmitri]

Right, understand that. But how do you do it with a flash that only goes off when ya snap a shot?

 

[table1349]

I use PocketWizards to trigger my off camera flash. Some Sekonic meters have built in PocketWizard transmitters. Hook a PW to the flash unit(s), set up your meter, hit the test button, flash(es) fire and you have your settings.

 

[Dmitri]

aaa I see. Ok, thanks

 

[Andrew Boyd]

I've got an article on my blog The Discerning Photographer that I think addresses your question. Check it out.

Andrew Boyd
TheDiscerningPhotographer

 

[table1349]

Great Site to learn about using off camera flash.

 

[Village Idiot]

aaa I see. Ok, thanks

Or leran about Guide Numbers (GN).