happy dance

[misterx]

It came. Much to learn.

Lesson number one... the basics. Put in batteries, turn on flash. That little light entitled "pilot" indicates the flash is ready. It also test fires the flash, as you soon figure out. Right into your eyes, as you happen to be looking at the front when you accidently depress the button. Expect to stand still for 45 seconds after this happens... that is how long it will take to regain your sight.

Comments

[kaylee.livejournal.com]

Which one did you get? 420?

[misterx.livejournal.com]

430ex...

[kaylee.livejournal.com]

NICE!!!

I have the 420.

That 430 looks pretty spiffy!

[misterx.livejournal.com]

it includes extra spiff.

[notjohndavid.livejournal.com]

I liked the time I went to take a test shot with my new flash... i think it's GN is in the upper 140's or 150s

anyway it's dark outside and I run that thing at full tilt about 7 feet from my entire family (we had a group of about 7 together... probably about 8pm during the winter so their eyes had dialated)

they were none too happy with me over that one.


one of the best/cheapest things you could do for that flash is put a little piece of tissue paper over the head to diffuse the light to keep from getting really harsh shadows (which you will easily do with a strong flash... )

or tilt it straight up and tape a piece of white cardboard on it at a 45 (so that the flash bounces off the cardboard onto your subject)


just my two cents. i have flash envy now

[misterx.livejournal.com]

I got a Stofen Omnibounce along with it, but frankly I'm underwhelmed. I may just need to get used to it. The shadows were nearly as harsh with the Omnibounce as without. At the office I tried shooting straight up with a piece of typing paper as a reflector, but it was inconclusive. With any of these, it could be a matter of not knowing what combo of settings to use in the camera and flash for the best results.

I'm experimenting, in short.

[kaylee.livejournal.com]

I'm going to have to do that with mine. I hate the harshness of flashes.

[misterx.livejournal.com]

Let me know what you find works well for you.

Here links to various products and/or ideas:

Bouncers:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=search&Q=&ci=655

Diffusers:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=search&Q=&ci=8944