Note: Kirk is "the Affordable Full time Professional Wedding Photographer Winsdor, Ontario". Here is the Link to KW Masters Photography.
Introduction:
In parts 1 and 2 we looked at using your flash in TTL or though the lens mode. Today we will take a quick look at using the flash in the manual mode. Again, when I discuss your on Camera Flash, I am referring to your Flash Gun or a Canon 580 EX-II or similar type of flash. Don't over look using your flash in manual mode. It may be exactly what the situation calls for.
Why Manual Mode?
Manual mode gives us a constant light output for a given ambient light setup. It is great for studio work or shots in a location where the ambient light is constant. Your TTL exposure can be fooled depending on the spot that you meter on. Change people and clothing and you just might find that the flash also changes.
How to use Manuel Flash Mode:
Using the mode button found on the back of your flash, press it until manual (M) is seen. Set up your camera in Manual mode also, under exposing for the room light. For precise studio work, you can set up you lights using a Light meter. For a light meter, we use the SEKONIC Model L-358 which we got from Vistek. You first setup the light meter with your ISO and take a shot with your on camera flash or studio lights at that distance. You can then adjust your camera accordingly.
For most work, we use the camera's built in light meter, the histogram and the view screen. Estimate the power output that you might need for a shot. Don't know? Guess. Start at full power if you are shooting a large church scene or 1/2 to 1/4 power for other shots. Take the shot, quickly check you view screen for the blinkies, the histogram and how the image looks. You will be surprised just how fast you can narrow down the power range. That is what we have to do with TTL anyway. You will have better control in manual mode. With ETTL I normally have to reduce the output in 1/3 stop increments. That is more or less what you do in manual mode to get it right in the camera.
Masters-Tip: Try using your flash in manual mode for studio work and constant light situations where the distance to the subject is constant.
Masters-Tip: We don't imply any guarantee that this will work on your equipment but don't be surprised if it does. We have a personal use camera, an Olympus E-510 that takes great photos. I sold the TTL flash for this years ago as we have two Canon 580 EX-II's. By using the Canon flash on the Olympus in manual mode, we get great fill flash photos and I might add with almost 20% more power from the flash. What we sold the Olympus flash for, almost bought us the Canon Flash. We also have an 8 mm Fisheye lens for the Oly which we use with the Canon Flash also.
Summary:
Many photographers have gotten away from using their equipment in manual mode, relying on the automatic settings. The ability to quickly use your flash in manual mode is a great tool set to have. Practice with your flash and camera in manual mode and you might just be surprised. We are so lucky today. In years past, everything was manual. Worst yet, after setting up the flash in manual based on a chart, ASA, etc, you didn't get the result, sometimes for weeks and your would forget what setting you used. Today, you get near instant feedback and can make adjustments immediately.
Kirk is a Professional Wedding Photographer in Windsor Ontario Canada. In appreciation if you would be so kind as to give a G+ and a Facebook Like KW Masters Photography on his Facebook page.
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