Need tips for imaginative and natural looking flash technique

DadaKopf

I have a Canon EOS 1000FN and a Metz Mecablitz 44 A-C. The flash doesn't have exposure compensation so I have to find other ways to get the background/foreground balances/tones I want.

Generally, I like the flash effect that (often) underexposes the background but correctly exposes, or slightly overesposes the foreground subject. Of course, I also like correctly balanced fill-flash.

My problem is getting the desired balance given the fact that my only way of compensating the flash effects is by changing the aperture or +/- exposure compensation, which amounts to the same thing. As far as I know it does when in flash mode.

Can anyone help me out on flash technique given these constraints.

My main problem is this: after I get my reading for the background and take the photo, the skin (or other reflective surfaces) usually reflects back way too much light.

I've read this but I haven't had much luck.

Here's an example of one that sort of worked:



The sky was slightly underexposed to exaggerate the hues and tones at sunset but when I focused on the foreground subject, as you can see, it got burned out somewhat.

I can't tell you how many other monstrosities I've taken to get this far. In fact, this was a fluke. The even worse failures came after.

One thing I haven't yet tried is using diffusers. But I haven't the money to shell out on them so I was wondering if there are any reliable ways of using tracing paper or plastic milk bottles as diffusers. What I mean is: is there any specific advice on how much, say, so many layers of paper will stop down the flash output by so many stops?

HELP!

FinoBlad

I'm sorry I'm not an expert on this camera or flash but nobody has replied to you.
I think it would be better if you had an external Canon speedlite flash unit with "flash exposure compensation" controls, then you can use those to control the effect u want, but the camera itself has no such fec options, I think.

Does your Metz have these controls? If not maybe you should research these Canon Speedlites 430EZ 540EZ 550EX. Of course u could experiment with difusing the flash [check ebay] or buying a gold or silver reflector and not using the flash at all.

You could borrow a digital camera to nail this exposure technique, I use a polaroid back on my film camera for sorting out this type of stuff that can drive you bonkers. A handheld light meter is very useful here too.

norma

If you know the guide number for your flash at a particular ISO, then you could work out the distance your subject needs to be from the flash in order to be properly exposed. The relationship is:

Guide No. / Subject Distance = f-stop.

Put the formula into Excel with the relevant guide number for your flash and print out a little table you can carry in your camera bag. Then, when you want to expose at a particular f-stop, just place your subject at an appropriate distance from the flash (not necessarily the camera - if you have a facility for detaching it, you will have more creative control) and they will be correctly exposed.
It's not exactly a point-and-shoot method but, on a budget, it may be an option.
Norma.

DadaKopf

None of those suggestions are particularly helpful!

It doesn't seem to matter about the guide number. The flash is automatic and manual - it's a Metz for Crissakes. And, quite simply, I haven't the money to splash out on a Speedlite.

Plus, I mainly use a 50mm lens.

So I was thinking more about diffusing or ways of fooling the camera. I.e. I'm poor and don't wanna spend anything.

FinoBlad

it's a Metz for Crissakes

mmmh, doesnt matter about the brand if its not working with your camera to do what you want, its not really very good then is it?

btw, i see ffordes.co.uk have a used 430EZ Speedlite for £99stg, €140 or 8 rolls of film/dev/prints

raphaelS

So I was thinking more about diffusing or ways of fooling the camera. I.e. I'm poor and don't wanna spend anything.

You can use a piece of white strong paper with a rubber band to diffuse the light, I tried to find out if the head of your flash can be moved but I'm not sure...
Or you maybe you can get a sync lead with a hot shoe to get your flash of the camera and so not pointing to the subject... you can then use something around as a reflector (ceilling, windows, wall, you...).

Or you can try these:

http://www.eritja.com/a_difus.htm
http://ras.winremote.dk/flashbouncer.php
http://194.100.88.243/petteri/pont/How_to/hc_Bounce_Built-In_Flash/a_Bounce_the_Pop-up.html
http://www.moonflour.com/10dollarbounce/


Raphael

raphaelS

To add something to my post, you'll need to try different settings.

I tried to use paper to diffuse the flash (stick on the front of the flash) but it doesn't work well. It's better to use white plastic (milk bootle type)... you have to try different types of plastic.

Or, if you can turn the head of your flash, bounced the light with paper, foil,...

Raphael

FinoBlad

Diffusers arent expensive, http://www.stofen.com/ and http://www.lumiquest.com/ are just 2 worth mentioning.

Be careful covering your flash head with anything as they can get quite hot [mine does anyway metz 45cl-4] and you could melt plastic to it permanantly.