Do I have the right idea about flash?

[MohaimenK]

When I'm indoor and using flash. I meter the background (expose it properly) and use the flash to light up the subject.

So in theory, my subjects are, say 1 stop below the background, do I raise the FC +1 so the light of the subject is properly lit?

 

[Robin Usagani]

Oh my.... and you have done 3 weddings? Does that sound odd to you?

 

[MohaimenK]

Oh my.... and you have done 3 weddings? Does that sound odd to you?

Yeah and you know so much more than me yet you can't take proper flash photos :er:

 

[Dao]

See if the following link helps.

http://neilvn.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/3-dragging-the-shutter/

 

[Big Mike]

If you two are done bickering...

So in theory, my subjects are, say 1 stop below the background, do I raise the FC +1 so the light of the subject is properly lit?

No, that's the wrong way to think of it.

The FEC controls the flash exposure, which is determined by the preflash and TTL metering. If you have a subject that is far enough in front of the background, the background won't register at all for the TTL flash metering.

In other words, the flash exposure is determined by the reflectivity of the subject and it's calibrated to give you middle tone (similar to the ambient metering). So if your subject is more reflective than middle tone (a white dress) then the flash metering will likely underexpose so you would need to dial it up. (+ FEC). If the subject is dark, the flash metering may give too much flash and you would need to dial it down.
It has nothing to do with the balance between background and subject...that's up to you to figure out.

 

[Robin Usagani]

Just based on the wordings on the question, you dont have a clue what the ETTL does and why you use FEC.

 

[MohaimenK]

"In other words, the flash exposure is determined by the reflectivity of the subject and it's calibrated to give you middle tone (similar to the ambient metering). So if your subject is more reflective than middle tone (a white dress) then the flash metering will likely underexpose so you would need to dial it up. (+ FEC). If the subject is dark, the flash metering may give too much flash and you would need to dial it down."

Thanks Mike! Very well explained! That makes sense. I've been practicing with with the whole zoning and metering lately and w/out flash I have been doing great but when it comes to flash indoor, I have issues. Even after my 3 weddings Ive done, where I had total wrong idea and the images pretty much sucked! The more I practice, the more I am learning which is one of the reason I'm not going out there tying to shoot another wedding until I'm more comfortable with interior lights.

Oh and if I put someone on ignore here, does that prevent them from seeing my thread also?

 

[MohaimenK]

BTW I wasn't talking about metering TTL flash at all. I was talking about checking for the right exposure for the background through ambient light. While using the flash to light ONLY the subjects since they'd be underexposed but just wasn't sure how to set the flash properly so it's not overpowering for the subjects, IE. make them super bright.

 

[Robin Usagani]

If you are talking about manual flash, why are you asking about FEC?

This fits in the same category when you asked me why there was no EC on manual setting

 

[Arch]

Schwettylens, Mike already hinted at not starting an arguement here, do i have come in and say it aswell? From now on you two can stay away from each other, thankyou.

 

[ajkramer87]

If you are talking about manual flash, why are you asking about FEC?

This fits in the same category when you asked me why there was no EC on manual setting

Maybe Im wrong but isnt FEC the same thing when using flash in any mode? It doesnt change what it does in different modes.

 

[Geaux]

lol @ schwetty STILL hurt over being dropped as a FB Friend.

Thanks to the others answering questions though, cleared up some stuff for me too

 

[Rosshole]

If you are talking about manual flash, why are you asking about FEC?

This fits in the same category when you asked me why there was no EC on manual setting

Maybe Im wrong but isnt FEC the same thing when using flash in any mode? It doesnt change what it does in different modes.

Manual is Manual... FEC is telling to go over or under the strobes meter driven power setting.

 

[MohaimenK]

Let me rephrase my question. I am not talking about flash meter. I am speaking of camera meter. I use my camera meter to check for proper background to make sure it's correctly exposed. I then turn on my flash to properly light the subject. So I wanted to know what is a good way figure out if I need to raise the intensity vs lower it. So the flash doesn't over power my subjects. I am not worried about the background. The background is being lit by ambient light and the wall is say 10-15 ft away from the subjects.

 

[Tbini87]

Let me rephrase my question. I am not talking about flash meter. I am speaking of camera meter. I use my camera meter to check for proper background to make sure it's correctly exposed. I then turn on my flash to properly light the subject. So I wanted to know what is a good way figure out if I need to raise the intensity vs lower it. So the flash doesn't over power my subjects. I am not worried about the background. The background is being lit by ambient light and the wall is say 10-15 ft away from the subjects.

Wouldn't the only way to really know is to check the image in the camera? Or you could use a flash metering device... but without one I was under the impression that you had to kind of use trial and error and keep adjusting until you get it right. So in TTL you could use the FEC button or in M you would just raise or lower the power setting right?