Flash Photography Question

[sunny_sony]

Hi all,

I have some doubts on flash photography.

I have Canon 430 EX II external flash and I like to know how can I control flash exposure in ETTL mode.

For example: My camera settings are:

Shutter Speed: 80
Aperture: 2.8
ISO: 100

Flash shows the distance to subject should be : 10 meter to get correct exposure. But I can't move back any further and I can only shoot from maximum 3 meter distance.In this case flash power is over-exposing the subject as I am shooting too close.

I don't want to change my Aperture value as I need shallow depth of field.

I like to know how can I control flash exposure in this situation using ETTL mode.

Should I use Flash exposure compensation? But it looks bit much to change setting every time I change my position to shoot.

Thanks.

 

[Derrel]

Can You adjust the flash's power output level LOWER????

 

[sunny_sony]

Can You adjust the flash's power output level LOWER????

I can but with Flash Manual mode with 1/2 or 1/4 of power. But when I am constantly changing my position and shooting, adjusting these settings take time.

 

[IgsEMT]

Can You adjust the flash's power output level LOWER????

I can but with Flash Manual mode with 1/2 or 1/4 of power. But when I am constantly changing my position and shooting, adjusting these settings take time.

If you want constant light, go outside when the sun is on top of you at mid day and shoot like that. OR get and off-camera flash and keep it the same distance from the subject.
As far as speed it takes to adjust something, if you know what you're doing, it takes less then a second.

 

[enzodm]

What if you simply use Av? The flash should do a pre-flash just before the real one to calculate exposure.
If not, just check you didn't unset something in the flash section of camera menu (or read your flash manual, I'm sure there is an equivalent button on the flash).

 

[katerolla]

Hi where abouts are you in aus, I'm in newcastle

 

[sunny_sony]

Thanks very much everyone. when shooting with flash I am keeping the flash direction away from subject's face to avoid harsh light. I don't have diffuser. Is it the right approach? or should I buy a diffuser instead?

 

[sunny_sony]

Hi where abouts are you in aus, I'm in newcastle

I am in Melbourne

 

[2WheelPhoto]

Hi all,

I have some doubts on flash photography.

I have Canon 430 EX II external flash and I like to know how can I control flash exposure in ETTL mode.

For example: My camera settings are:

Shutter Speed: 80
Aperture: 2.8
ISO: ISO

Flash shows the distance to subject should be : 10 meter to get correct exposure. But I can't move back any further and I can only shoot from maximum 3 meter distance.In this case flash power is over-exposing the subject as I am shooting too close.

I don't want to change my Aperture value as I need shallow depth of field.

I like to know how can I control flash exposure in this situation using ETTL mode.

Should I use Flash exposure compensation? But it looks bit much to change setting every time I change my position to shoot.

Thanks.

Change that to native ISO number.

 

[sunny_sony]

Change that to native ISO number.

Sorry, I mistyped the ISO. It is 100, so can't go down any further

 

[MLeeK]

Ettl is far harder than manually adjusting your flash. You have 100% control over the flash that way. If you are using ettl it can change depending on what your meter is hitting among other things...

 

[sunny_sony]

Ettl is far harder than manually adjusting your flash. You have 100% control over the flash that way. If you are using ettl it can change depending on what your meter is hitting among other things...

When the flash is mounted on camera and I change the flash to manual, I can see 1/1 which I can change to 1/2,1/4....is this what I need to do to control the light? what about flash compensation setting when used with ETTL mode? is it good technique?

 

[MLeeK]

Ettl is far harder than manually adjusting your flash. You have 100% control over the flash that way. If you are using ettl it can change depending on what your meter is hitting among other things...

When the flash is mounted on camera and I change the flash to manual, I can see 1/1 which I can change to 1/2,1/4....is this what I need to do to control the light? what about flash compensation setting when used with ETTL mode? is it good technique?

FEC is for TTL.
THat is 1/1 power, 1/2 power, 1/4 power, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32... You reduce or increase according to what you need.

 

[sunny_sony]

Ettl is far harder than manually adjusting your flash. You have 100% control over the flash that way. If you are using ettl it can change depending on what your meter is hitting among other things...

When the flash is mounted on camera and I change the flash to manual, I can see 1/1 which I can change to 1/2,1/4....is this what I need to do to control the light? what about flash compensation setting when used with ETTL mode? is it good technique?

FEC is for TTL.
THat is 1/1 power, 1/2 power, 1/4 power, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32... You reduce or increase according to what you need.

Thanks for the tips. I will try manual flash setting.

Also when shooting I keep my flash away from subject's face to avoid harsh light. I don't have any diffuser. Is it the correct way or should I get a diffuser and point flash straight towards subject?

 

[MLeeK]

When the flash is mounted on camera and I change the flash to manual, I can see 1/1 which I can change to 1/2,1/4....is this what I need to do to control the light? what about flash compensation setting when used with ETTL mode? is it good technique?

FEC is for TTL.
THat is 1/1 power, 1/2 power, 1/4 power, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32... You reduce or increase according to what you need.

Thanks for the tips. I will try manual flash setting.

Also when shooting I keep my flash away from subject's face to avoid harsh light. I don't have any diffuser. Is it the correct way or should I get a diffuser and point flash straight towards subject?

Yes. Bouncing off a ceiling or wall will definitely help GREATLY. A diffuser can be as simple as some tissue over the flash head if you need it, but that won't stop shadows like bouncing will.