Flashing someone, whats the best way to do it? ;)

vonnagy · Mar 11, 2004

I am a bit of a numbskull when it comes to using a flash, when i have used it, the subjects where either too far in the distance for it to take effect or the brightness washes out the detials of there face. I know it'll take a bit of practice using it properly, but what are some good tips when you decide to use a flash?

I use a canon d10 by the way.

Also, though this could be a complete seperate thread, any ideas for using a flash creatively?

metroshane · Mar 11, 2004

Have you read the manual? The 10D has a couple of options. First, you can always control the flash compensation level. I do this almost always when using the flash. You can also set it to send out a little pre-flash flash that measures the intensity and adjusts automatically.

vonnagy · Mar 11, 2004

Have you read the manual?

I lost my manual when i moved to my new place

but of course i should see if could download it from the canon website somewhere 'doh!'

voodoocat · Mar 11, 2004

I usually just lift up my shirt when I want to flash someone.

photogoddess · Mar 11, 2004

Flashing someone, whats the best way to do it?

Wow! When I first saw the title to this thread I had an overwhelming desire to head off to the Mardi Gras. :badangel:

If you can't find a manual for your 10D, I can scan the appropriate pages from mine and PM them to you.

vonnagy · Mar 11, 2004

I usually just lift up my shirt when I want to flash someone.

actually thats not a bad idea, i am so pale i glow in the dark. I am a walking light source! Screw the flash!

If you can't find a manual for your 10D, I can scan the appropriate pages from mine and PM them to you.

oh thanks for the offer.. i was going to tidy up my apartment to see if i can find it, if i can't - i'll message ya!

Jeff Canes · Mar 11, 2004

vonnagy said:
Have you read the manual?

Click to expand...

I lost my manual when i moved to my new place but of course i should see if could download it from the canon website somewhere 'doh!'

My Spanish version is still in shrink rap, you can have it if you pay for the shipping. :wink:

But on the other hand you can download a PDF copy at
http://www.powershot.com/powershot2/customer/pdf/EOS_10D_E.pdf

oriecat · Mar 11, 2004

Read the Manual! Tip# 96 from Practical Photography's 101 Ways to Better Photos!

Yes, I'm just spammin' for my website.

ksmattfish · Mar 11, 2004

I don't know much about the 10D, except that it's digital (and doesn't that mean that you could shoot away endlessly until you get a feel for flash photography?), so my first question is are you using a real flash or the puny little wimpy flash that they like to build into SLRs these days? As you might be able to tell, I don't have much confidence in the pop-up flashes. I think of them sort of like the little do-nut spare tire; nice in an emergency, but not what you want to drive on everyday.

Whatever flash you are using, it has a "guide number". The guide number is listed in either ISO 100/ft. or ISO 100/meters, whatever you're more comfy with. If you don't have the flash manual, then get it off the manufacturer's website.

GN divided by flash to subject distance (in feet or meters) equals aperture for "correct" exposure (at ISO 100).

So if your GN is 80 (ISO 100/ft) and your flash to subject distance is 20 ft. then the correct aperture would be f/4. If you are using ISO 400 it would be f/8. If your subject is 5 ft away (at ISO 100) then f/16.

Some folks like to underexpose the fill flash by a stop or so, compared to the background. Some folks like to do it the other way (background under exposed a stop or so, compared to subject exposure). Try them both out; each one gives a different look to the image. You got that fancy 10D, embrace the power of digital and practice, practice, practice!!!

Chase · Mar 11, 2004

photogoddess said:
Wow! When I first saw the title to this thread I had an overwhelming desire to head off to the Mardi Gras. :badangel:

:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

photogoddess · Mar 11, 2004

I want my beads! :cheer:

MDowdey · Mar 11, 2004

photogoddess said:
I want my beads! :cheer:

i love you.

md

ksmattfish · Mar 11, 2004

I should have added that it's important to test the accuracy of what the manufacturer says is the GN. Many times I find that the flash doesn't quite perform up to the manufacturer's claims.

Don't expect miracles from you flash. Beyond 20' to 25' you are pushing the limits of lighting ability of most consumer flashes. Even though the manual and GN suggest that flash photography out to 60' or 70' is totally possible, reality is often less practical.

I always use a flash when it's very dark and when it's very bright. The dark is obvious. I use the flash in the bright daylight to eliminate dark shadows. Both film and digital will capture much greater contrast than it appears to your eye. You have no problem seeing Uncle Bob's eyes under his baseball cap, but the pics turn out with an almost solid black shadow on his face. I turn folks so that the sun is behind and off to one side of them using it as sort of a hairlight, and then use the flash to light the face/body.

terri · Mar 12, 2004

I love Mr. Nagy because of his ability to get a serious answer while enticing our slutty minds into the gutter - all in one thread.

Hats off to you sir! :salute:

(not my shirt, though, baby - keep dreamin')