Photos with Built-in Flash (not asking for miracles)

[Zephyrize]

The speedlite arrived this afternoon, so I had time to play a bit with it.
Already have some questioning... so I'll just ask here instead of starting a new thread.

So everytime I did the 'ceiling bounce' trick (flash pointing straight up), it seemed to get acceptable results,
however, when I tried on a higher, inclined ceiling, it did not work so well... what should I do in this case?
Also, when switching to portrait (vertical) position, everything just seem wrong... uneven lighting, intensity loss, etc... the ceiling of wall bounce does not seem to work anymore.

I also give a try at using the flash at 45 or 90 degree angle, but it (obviously) just gave the same harsh ugly lighting as the pop up flash.

Still a bit confused (and overwhelmed by the size of the flash haha), and just finished reading the manual. Any tips or trick would be greatly appreciated!

*note: I don't have any diffuser yet. Just using the flash as it is!

Thanks!

[Colin Southern]

So everytime I did the 'ceiling bounce' trick (flash pointing straight up), it seemed to get acceptable results,
however, when I tried on a higher, inclined ceiling, it did not work so well... what should I do in this case?

Think of it as being like a garden hose or a laser pointer - or a pool table - the angle of incidence = the angle of reflection - so on a sloping roof you'll need to adjust the angle to "spray" your subject with light - but - it can still very much be "hit and miss". Also - you may want to zoom the flashhead manually for bounce shots; going wider gives you a greater chance of covering them, but with less intensity whereas going narrower will concentrate the light more - but - you have to be more precise with your aiming.

Also, when switching to portrait (vertical) position, everything just seem wrong... uneven lighting, intensity loss, etc... the ceiling of wall bounce does not seem to work anymore.

In portrait orientation you need to swivel the head 90 degrees to the right (so it would be pointing to your right if you held the camera horizontally) and then adjust that as required for the right bounce angle.

I also give a try at using the flash at 45 or 90 degree angle, but it (obviously) just gave the same harsh ugly lighting as the pop up flash.

Get a Lightsphere!

Still a bit confused (and overwhelmed by the size of the flash haha), and just finished reading the manual. Any tips or trick would be greatly appreciated!

Tip #1 - Always carry 4 NEW AA Lithium batteries close at hand (not rechargeables).

Tip #2 - You'll probably end up with a FEC (Flash Exposure Compensation) of +1 for natural looking lighting (won't work in full auto mode though).

Tip #3 - In Av or Manual modes don't be afraid to Up the ISO - it takes a LOT of work off the flash.

Tip #4 - If you're finding that everythng is coming out grossly over-exposed with the flash on (especially outside) it's usually because you don't have high-speed-sync turned on, thus limiting your shutter-speed to 1/200th / 1/250th etc.

Tip #5 - RTFM (Read the Fine Manual) - lots of good stuff in there.

Tip #6 - (Didn't want to tell you this before!) - Eventually you'll want to get the flash off camera (pref wireless) - get it on a light stand - get a diffuser - get a reflector - then we'll tell you how to REALLY make your shots come alive

[Zephyrize]

Get a Lightsphere!

would a Stofen Omnibounce help? The lightsphere are kind of overpriced..

Tip #6 - (Didn't want to tell you this before!) - Eventually you'll want to get the flash off camera (pref wireless) - get it on a light stand - get a diffuser - get a reflector - then we'll tell you how to REALLY make your shots come alive

those are cool but may be inappropriate for the candid and event photography that i'll be doing


I'll be sure to test these tips.
Thanks a million

[Colin Southern]

would a Stofen Omnibounce help? The lightsphere are kind of overpriced..

The Lightsphere is expensive, but not overpriced. With the Stofen you CAN get an OK shot but a Lightsphere with give you a better result AND over a far wider range of conditions. A bit like a Point & Shoot -v- an SLR.

those are cool but may be inappropriate for the candid and event photography that i'll be doing

Unless you use a VAL

[Dave Humphries]

Dear Santa,

Could I have a VAL (fully SB900 equipped), also a VATC and VARH too (please)?

Your misson, should you decide to accept it, is:
VATC = ?
VARH = ?

Cheers,