Help with new K20D, 16-50*D, and 540 Flash for interior photos

[AlanR]

I am new to digital and 2 weeks with Pentax – love Pentax!

The problem right now is the learning curve. I need to shoot interiors of a house that’s for sale. I just received the 540 FGZ today and the manual is a bit lacking for a new user. The K20D, 16-50*D and flash all seem to work, but I am having a hard time figuring out what settings would be best for the interior full-room shots.

Here is what I’m thinking:

Tripod, shake off, small aperture, bounce, and I have a small slip-on Harbor Bounce Diffuser ordered, beyond that I’m hoping you can give me some flash and camera settings to get me on the right path.

Thank you,
Alan

[freeload]

I haven't got loads of experience, but regarding your use of of-camera flash, check out these links from Strobist.com
Interior shot assignment with lots of comments and links to more useful information

Scott Hargis interview with several interresting links

Also: Check out the Photography For Realestate pool on flickr

[christinelandon]

Alan, you'll probably want good depth of field combined with a good balance between natural "window" light (assuming you're shooting during daytime) and your flash. Try f/5.6 or f/8 for an aperture, depending on room brightness, and set your flash options (Function button, down arrow) for slow speed synch.

Consider setting up the AF540FGZ off-camera, controlled wirelessly. Try out the alternatives of using the built-in flash with active flash or without flash as a wireless commander for the 540. This will give you the option of one or two controllable flash sources to combine with available natural light. Try various placements of the 540 to modify the bright/shadowed areas of your interior.

[Canada_Rockies]

Originally Posted by christinelandon

Alan, you'll probably want good depth of field combined with a good balance between natural "window" light (assuming you're shooting during daytime) and your flash. Try f/5.6 or f/8 for an aperture, depending on room brightness, and set your flash options (Function button, down arrow) for slow speed synch.

Consider setting up the AF540FGZ off-camera, controlled wirelessly. Try out the alternatives of using the built-in flash with active flash or without flash as a wireless commander for the 540. This will give you the option of one or two controllable flash sources to combine with available natural light. Try various placements of the 540 to modify the bright/shadowed areas of your interior.

To add to these comments, if the walls are white, you can bounce behind you. Interior shots are normally taken from a room corner, simply because that's how you can get more in. With white/neutral wall and ceiling colours, you can get a very soft bounce light by aiming the flash at the junction of two walls and ceiling behind you. This will also reduce the possibility of the flash showing in a reflection of glass objects, picture frames, fireplace doors, etc.

[christinelandon]

Good advice, Albert. Thanks for all you contribute!

[AlanR]

All your comments are very helpful. Thank you so much.
I'm in a bit of overload with all the new equipment, but look forward to learning and sharing. This is a great Forum.