Which Flash?

I have a 430 exii that I bought a year or so ago, I have used it once. Anyone got any pointers or links for how to use it? Trying to get back into photography and need some refreshing on a few things, I am mainly interested in landscape though so it could be surplus to requirements?
 
Beepcake said:
Yep, that's why I didn't say you lost slave, only master :)

It also has "dumb" slave modes, which none of the Canons do, which comes in handy.
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Yeah, I wasn't really saying to you. Just mentioning it in case somebody reading didn't know :)

sHo0sH said:
I have a 430 exii that I bought a year or so ago, I have used it once. Anyone got any pointers or links for how to use it? Trying to get back into photography and need some refreshing on a few things, I am mainly interested in landscape though so it could be surplus to requirements?
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Try to avoid shooting the flash directly at the subject (if using just the flash on-camera) if can be helped as it can cause harsh shadows. A stofen would help diffuse the light if you are shooting directly.
Otherwise try to bounce the flash off the ceiling (if low enough) or a wall. And make sure you always shoot in RAW (you should be anyway if not) because if the flash bounces off coloured walls it can really mess the WB so with RAW you can easily adjust it.
 
A stofen would help diffuse the light if you are shooting directly.
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I've been reading a lot about flashes lately as I am getting in to this myself and the above statement is not true. The size and distance of the light has not been changed so it will be just as hard.
The only purpose of the diffusion dome or the bounce card is simply to add a direct frontal fill when bouncing from eg a ceiling.
 
rs1800 said:
I've been reading a lot about flashes lately as I am getting in to this myself and the above statement is not true. The size and distance of the light has not been changed so it will be just as hard.
The only purpose of the diffusion dome or the bounce card is simply to add a direct frontal fill when bouncing from eg a ceiling.
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I assumed he meant for bouncing off multiple walls, if that's not the case then you're correct, they don't do anything to direct flash other than eat light.

They're good for making sure your ETTL signal is spammed absolutely everywhere though :)
 
Sorry, I meant for the shadows. Yes the subject will be lit the same, but because the light is coming from wider angles the subject's shadow won't be as harsh.
 
Razor-BladE said:
Sorry, I meant for the shadows. Yes the subject will be lit the same, but because the light is coming from wider angles the subject's shadow won't be as harsh.
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Only if you bounce it off something, if you're outside or if you just point it at the subject it won't do diddly except eat light.
 
nickeverett said:
+1
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-1 from me..

I've done loads of friends/families weddings as a strict amateur, and like the OP's situation, it was either no photos (tiny budgets for the wedding), uncle Bob and his P&S, or a keen amateur who wants to do a good job.. And I relished the challenge and experience, providing...

You can take a passable portrait or two, have a modicum of organisational skills, and know your limitations..

If for one moment I didn't think I could at least get the basic shots (even if only 1 notch above uncle Bob's efforts), I would have of course said 'no'..
 
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