First Attempts of getting flash Off-camera (with pics)

[Tbini87]

..keeping the sync speed at 200 (I think that's the max for a D90 and SB-600). I noticed that when we were just using the popup flash it seemed like the max was 1/60. Is this just because the poopup flash is less powerful or something?

No. Actually both of your statements are not true.

I recommend you read your camera and SB-600 users manuals, multiple times.

The D90 and SB-600 can sync to 1/4000, but you have to use Auto FP high-speed sync mode above 1/200, instead of the regular sync mode. See page 195 of the D90 Users Manual (e5: Auto FP) and page 48 of the SB-600 Users Manual (Auto FP high-speed sync mode).

The 1/60 shutter speed is just the default, See page 185 of your D90 Users Manual (e1: Flash shutter Speed)

Definitely plan on getting around to reading the manuals for all of our equipment, but haven't had the time recently. I probably wouldn't be shooting for another month or two if I read everything that came with all the new equipment we buy. I looked at the menu in the D90 and couldn't find a faster speed than 1/60. There were tons of slower choices but it didn't look like there was anything faster. I will have to check out the manuals soon, though I feel like some of the 5 minute videos around here give me much more helpful information in a more easily understandable fashion than the manuals sometimes. Thanks for the page references!

 

[Robin Usagani]

If you are on aperture priority, it will always meter the ambient.. However, the camera detects that you have a flash and limit the camera not to go slower than 1/60. It is very complicated.. you will understand it eventually. Thats why most people use manual when they use flash especially when it is the main source of light. If you raise the ISO or have more light, it will go faster than 1/60 but limited to the camera flash sync speed which is 1/200 if im not mistaken.

 

[KmH]

Definitely plan on getting around to reading the manuals for all of our equipment, but haven't had the time recently. I probably wouldn't be shooting for another month or two if I read everything that came with all the new equipment we buy.

Your process is exactly backwards, and that is going to cost you.

 

[Tbini87]

Definitely plan on getting around to reading the manuals for all of our equipment, but haven't had the time recently. I probably wouldn't be shooting for another month or two if I read everything that came with all the new equipment we buy.

Your process is exactly backwards, and that is going to cost you.

You sat down and read everything that came with each new piece of equipment before you ever used it? Impressive. However, I'm not sold that that is the best use of time. Maybe you are much better at understanding what the manuals are saying than me, because when I read them they are not exactly reader friendly imo. There are tons of people around these forums that are MUCH more helpful than the manuals for me. Videos on the web are also MUCH more helpful than the manuals for me. It may simply be a difference in learning style or something.

I am not trying to simply skip over the details or find quick fixes to learning flash. I am willing to dedicate a lot of time and practice to it. However, that time is better used on these forums and practicing than reading the manuals for me (imo). I will be looking through the manuals as well, but like I said, reading the manuals doesn't immediately have me understanding how to effectively use the flash. Thanks for the input.

 

[Tbini87]

If you are on aperture priority, it will always meter the ambient.. However, the camera detects that you have a flash and limit the camera not to go slower than 1/60. It is very complicated.. you will understand it eventually. Thats why most people use manual when they use flash especially when it is the main source of light. If you raise the ISO or have more light, it will go faster than 1/60 but limited to the camera flash sync speed which is 1/200 if im not mistaken.

We generally shoot in Manual and plan on keeping it that way when using flash (seems like most the things I have been reading and watching are using M to shoot). We have also been using the flash in M and then adjusting its power as opposed to using TTL. We still have a TON to learn about using flash on and off camera. You guys around here have been helping out a ton though, so thanks!

 

[KmH]

There are tons of people around these forums that are MUCH more helpful than the manuals for me. Videos on the web are also MUCH more helpful than the manuals for me. It may simply be a difference in learning style or something.

If you do a little research, the 1970's notion of 'learning styles' has been proven to be total bullsh!t.

 

[kundalini]

...... Also any common tips would be appreciated. Thanks.

RTFM

You're welcome.

 

[Stradawhovious]

^^^^

Yeah, what he said.

In the time it took to read this thread front to back (including watching the video) you could almost be done reading the manual for your SB-600. It's tiny in size ,only 90 pages long, and mostly pictures.

Its also very informative.

Ask me how I know.

 

[gsgary]

Definitely plan on getting around to reading the manuals for all of our equipment, but haven't had the time recently. I probably wouldn't be shooting for another month or two if I read everything that came with all the new equipment we buy.

Your process is exactly backwards, and that is going to cost you.

You sat down and read everything that came with each new piece of equipment before you ever used it? Impressive. However, I'm not sold that that is the best use of time. Maybe you are much better at understanding what the manuals are saying than me, because when I read them they are not exactly reader friendly imo. There are tons of people around these forums that are MUCH more helpful than the manuals for me. Videos on the web are also MUCH more helpful than the manuals for me. It may simply be a difference in learning style or something.

I am not trying to simply skip over the details or find quick fixes to learning flash. I am willing to dedicate a lot of time and practice to it. However, that time is better used on these forums and practicing than reading the manuals for me (imo). I will be looking through the manuals as well, but like I said, reading the manuals doesn't immediately have me understanding how to effectively use the flash. Thanks for the input.

The manual will not teach you how to meter ambient a flash light and then how to mix it to get different results

 

[shaunly]

Try shooting in A-mode with flash set to SLOW. The sb-600 has auto-FB, so it will automatically turn on. Or you can shoot in Manual. Properly set your exposure to the background, then turn on your flash and go from there.

Also, your WB seems really off. You usually want a nice warm skin tone, not blue and pale.

 

[Tbini87]

Try shooting in A-mode with flash set to SLOW. The sb-600 has auto-FB, so it will automatically turn on. Or you can shoot in Manual. Properly set your exposure to the background, then turn on your flash and go from there.

Also, your WB seems really off. You usually want a nice warm skin tone, not blue and pale.

Thanks for the input. We did no editing to those pics yet and have been using Auto WB. Just wanted to throw them up there asap and get some input on what we are doing right or wrong.