What setting to set flash on

[sparkie1263]

I just borrowed my friends HVL F36AM and don't know what setting I should set it on for indoor shooting. What setting for fill flash for outside. I have my sons engagement party and would like to give it a try using a flash.
Thanks Frank

[DonSchap]

Well, speaking in a standard way ... using the flash at full power and in Manual (not TTL), my manual settings are usually:

F/5.6
1/60 sec
ISO-400
No DRO and that's about it. Too bright, I run the speed up to 1/125 - still too bright ... ISO-200. Those two items are enough to kill off most flash issues.

Do not shoot slower than 1/60, otherwise you will introduce ambient lighting from other sources. Also, subject movement will show up.

[sparkie1263]

How do you turn off the DRO? Does it reset when you power off the camera.

Thanks Don you are the man

[DonSchap]

I believe it does, Frank. Leave it on, for now ... probably doesn't matter all that much.

[sparkie1263]

I will post some shots so you can let me know what I did wrong.
Thanks
Frank

[DonSchap]

I tried several settings and this is, like I alluded to, a real study in camera operation.

Try this ...
Manual for everything.
f/11
1/160 (high speed sync with flash)
ISO-100
Manual Flash 1:1

It should render a viewable image. Let me know.

[DonSchap]

Fill flash setting ONLY works with the pop-up flash, not the EXT flash.

You should take time to review pages 54-58 in the User's Guide.

[sparkie1263]

Why do you think I am asking all these questions?? He never gave me the book. LOL I did a search and didn't find it online. I will check again before I go. I only have a few hours before I have to leave.
Thanks again
Frank

I just found it on the Sony site.

[DonSchap]

I'm apologize, Frank. Didn't know.

It is the proper operation you have to be familiar with. The settings are secondary.

You need to become familiar with "Flash compensation." There are two EV levels you can go, above and below, which will make the flash brighter or darker in AUTO mode. To get to it, go to the "lightning bolt" on the right hand selector knob, and then press the "Fn" buton in the middle of the knob.

Click down into the "Flash Compensation", under the Flash Mode indicator, on the right side of the menu area. Then, you can raise or lower the +/- EV level of the flash. It offers more control over the TTL decision going on in the camera. I think it may be what you are looking to do.

[sparkie1263]

No need to apologize I was just kidding. I did read the manual on line. I took some shots at the house with the settings at f/5.6, 1/60 and iso 400 and they looked good. This will be my first try with a flash. I let you know how I do.
Thanks as always you are a great help.
Frank

[DonSchap]

Personally, flash photography is, in my opinion, an experiment in terror. Using "hot lights" is definitely a lot more ... controlled, because the light is continuous, but when you start playing with TTL ... all bets are off for consistency.

The closest thing I can come up with it being similar to is CRAPS.

Others may have a different story to tell ... but, you should plan on using lots of batteries and if you are on the move and changing locations, having your subjects posing several times to get just one shot.

[sparkie1263]

Don I didn't do that good with the flash. I will post some of my attempts in the AM. I did go and try to shoot the Brooklyn Bridge Waterfall Project again. This time I had the tripod. I will also post some of those also.
Thanks again
Frank

[DonSchap]

Honestly, Frank, all I am saying is that it takes some time and practice to get the flash to even be close to anticipated results. Don't be too disappointed, as it is the one aspect of photography that has most of us by the throat.

[sparkie1263]

Here is one of the shots I took with the flash.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn219/sparkie1263/Sony%20A100/LorieAshley.jpg

[DonSchap]

That's not too bad ... but, I would like to suggest some kind of diffusion device to remove "hot spots", like the one on her cheek. These bright spots are where viewer's eyes go when they look at the image.

I recommend using Photoshop and a diffused brosh to soften it a bit.

Also, soften out the people in the background, if you can ... it will make the others really pop. Hey, it is all post processing work ... the final leg of a good image.

Nice job with this one, too, Frank ... so far ... just needs a little touchin' up.

[seanhoxx]

Frank, a nice picture, I see what Don is talking about with "hotspots" from the flash. Not that I have any room to talk but what about P.P. the bright dots out of the pupils in the eyes? IMHO I think its kind of cool the way the flash reflects in the stones on her necklace and the little girls earring. I have read alot on here about focus on the eyes, and I see that in your photo really makes it feel "alive"
Sean