Your exposure mode preference for P-TTL flash?

virusn3t · 08-16-2016, 10:16 AM

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Originally posted by aleonx3

Very nice.. yes, that's what I mean. If there is anything to improve, I would balance a bit more ambient light in the mix by cutting down a little on flash (use EV) to preserve the "moment"; like this one that I have done recently.

Small question, whats is the green thing on the dress? Is part of the watermak or is a light from the party?

aleonx3 · 08-16-2016, 10:37 AM

Originally posted by virusn3t

Small question, whats is the green thing on the dress? Is part of the watermak or is a light from the party?

Good question (very observant), the dots on the dress are part of the party light (the dots are all over the places)... here is another one that shows as they turn down the lighting while everyone is in dancing mood.

---------- Post added 08-16-2016 at 01:40 PM ----------

Originally posted by stevebrot

What he said ^^^

As for candids...my experience has been that it is only the first flash photo that is candid. As soon as you do it, you have blown your cover.

Steve

Very true... but still want to remain stealth during the entire event so people don't get tense (or uptight); I don't use flash diffuser (AF360FZGII is excellent for party photos).

virusn3t · 08-16-2016, 10:48 AM

Originally posted by aleonx3

Good question (very observant), the dots on the dress are part of the party light (the dots are all over the places)... here is another one that shows as they turn down the lighting while everyone is in dancing mood.

Thanks for the answer.

Culture · 08-16-2016, 11:43 AM

I am going to put some of this advice into use this weekend. the place is nicely lit so I will not be needing that much flash.
But its nice to use flash to get the subject pop out of the background.

One question though. will a pttl flash go off even if your exposure is above 0?

**JimJohnson** · 08-16-2016, 11:51 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

What he said ^^^

One of the beauties of P-TTL flash photography is that it sort of frees you to use the aperture and shutter speeds appropriate for the ambient lighting and subject.

As for candids...my experience has been that it is only the first flash photo that is candid. As soon as you do it, you have blown your cover.

Steve

Obviously I'll need to experiment - but as a guest you often don't get the opportunity to check out a facility before the event - especially with the lighting that will be in place during the event.

I know what you mean about candids - My experience is that get enough people with cameras and unless you specifically call attention to yourself - or happen to be the designed 'pro', people will ignore you - - sometimes to the point of stepping in front of you and stopping.

mcgregni · 08-16-2016, 12:07 PM

Originally posted by Culture

....

One question though. will a pttl flash go off even if your exposure is above 0?

Yes, if the pop-up flash is raised or accessory flash is on the hotshoe and switched on, then they will always fire. There's always an exposure mode and power level set at all times. It might not be right, but it will fire regardless of the camera exposure settings.

I've often wanted a sort of ' quick off ' button, for the odd time I want to take a shot without flash but don't want to switch off the flash and lose the settings.

aleonx3 · 08-16-2016, 12:18 PM

Originally posted by Culture

I am going to put some of this advice into use this weekend. the place is nicely lit so I will not be needing that much flash.
But its nice to use flash to get the subject pop out of the background.

One question though. will a pttl flash go off even if your exposure is above 0?

It depends on what you want to achieve, I use flash often even in well-lit (or good enough) conditions. When the quality of lighting is subpar, flash (white) light helps to enhance the light and preserve truer color.

mcgregni · 08-16-2016, 12:39 PM - **1 Like**

That's getting down to what it's all about. I've lost count of the number of times I've read a forum member (not here so much) say that they never need flash now, because their camera has such good high ISO performance and they can raise the shadows and reveal details without too much noise ....

**JimJohnson** · 08-16-2016, 01:23 PM

Originally posted by mcgregni

That's getting down to what it's all about. I've lost count of the number of times I've read a forum member (not here so much) say that they never need flash now, because their camera has such good high ISO performance and they can raise the shadows and reveal details without too much noise ....

Most wedding services ban flash photography, so available light (sometimes highly variable in color and often pretty dim) - in short, either shutter speed is slow or ISO is pretty high, even with fast lenses. The K-3 is good, but certainly not a miracle. Yes, there are some amazing tools to reduce noise in post processing, but it is an extra step. And at any event where romance is in the air - the lighting is even worse. Flash to the rescue.

aleonx3 · 08-16-2016, 02:39 PM

Originally posted by mcgregni

That's getting down to what it's all about. I've lost count of the number of times I've read a forum member (not here so much) say that they never need flash now, because their camera has such good high ISO performance and they can raise the shadows and reveal details without too much noise ....

Yes, those who say they don't need flash because their camera can handle high ISO and doing a better job than using flash probably don't know better... the majority of them are from the other camp with big and expensive cameras. They can claim "pro" status whatever they want... doesn't bother me, but I am just be happy with mine so are my customers. LOL.

---------- Post added 08-16-2016 at 05:56 PM ----------

Originally posted by JimJohnson

Most wedding services ban flash photography, so available light (sometimes highly variable in color and often pretty dim) - in short, either shutter speed is slow or ISO is pretty high, even with fast lenses. The K-3 is good, but certainly not a miracle. Yes, there are some amazing tools to reduce noise in post processing, but it is an extra step. And at any event where romance is in the air - the lighting is even worse. Flash to the rescue.

Yes, I agree and I am sure some (if not most) church services do not allow flash... and I can understand why... As a photographer, I need to find ways to do that when the lighting is inadequate... another case when it is almost completely dark (backstage) and very high back ceiling, with no walls to bounce flash..... here's one that I bounce the flash off my hand (no way I can do it with a heavy Canikon camera). IMO, it would be difficult to get the same photo with similar color as the one here without using flash.

**JimJohnson** · 08-16-2016, 04:48 PM

Originally posted by aleonx3

here's one that I bounce the flash off my hand

If I know the ceiling (or walls) won't work, and I'm driving versus flying, I have a half-gallon (approximately two liter) white plastic milk jug with the neck cut off and a couple short vertical slits so I can pull it over my flash head. I have no idea if it works as well as Gary Wong's flash adapter, but it does work for the few times I've used it and if cost me nothing (would have been trash otherwise).

aleonx3 · 08-16-2016, 07:57 PM

Originally posted by JimJohnson

If I know the ceiling (or walls) won't work, and I'm driving versus flying, I have a half-gallon (approximately two liter) white plastic milk jug with the neck cut off and a couple short vertical slits so I can pull it over my flash head. I have no idea if it works as well as Gary Wong's flash adapter, but it does work for the few times I've used it and if cost me nothing (would have been trash otherwise).

I don't use any flash diffusers at all, just need something to bounce off. I think a "Michael Jackson" white glove (left hand only) is all I need if I am in a desperate situation.

and probably won't work too well if you have a grip (too heavy) on the camera. That's just for me.. YMMV...

TheOneAndOnlyJH · 08-19-2016, 11:15 AM

Originally posted by JimJohnson

If I know the ceiling (or walls) won't work, and I'm driving versus flying, I have a half-gallon (approximately two liter) white plastic milk jug with the neck cut off and a couple short vertical slits so I can pull it over my flash head. I have no idea if it works as well as Gary Wong's flash adapter, but it does work for the few times I've used it and if cost me nothing (would have been trash otherwise).

Here's a few cheap alternatives to bounce flash forward without being direct. They fold flat too, so they will fit in your luggage better than a milk jug. 😝

This is like the rogue flash bender, but much lighter (and cheaper). I have a Rogue large Flash Bender that's good for a stationary setup, but too heavy for on camera. This one is light enough that it works well and doesn't make the flash head flop.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/201452853069

This isn't as adjustable, but should work better than a Michael Jackson glove. 😉 It's also very light and fits easily in my camera bag so it's there when I need it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/322122215664

I don't have one of these, but it looks like it would be another good cheap option.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/262387970517

Class A · 08-19-2016, 09:21 PM

These StrobiStrip modifiers look good to me. When using multiple of them at the same time, they have usages beyond the typical rim light application.

UlrichSchiegg · 08-23-2016, 08:58 AM

Originally posted by mcgregni

Yes, if the pop-up flash is raised or accessory flash is on the hotshoe and switched on, then they will always fire. There's always an exposure mode and power level set at all times. It might not be right, but it will fire regardless of the camera exposure settings.

I've often wanted a sort of ' quick off ' button, for the odd time I want to take a shot without flash but don't want to switch off the flash and lose the settings.

This is not my experience with the Metz 64. In Flash P-TTL or P-TTL HSS mode, the Metz only fires if there is a gap "setting" to "metering" that requires flash light.

PS I have checked the K-70 user manual lately for some other topic. Under flash section it says that you can turn the flash off. On my K-S2 that option does not exist.

08-16-2016, 02:39 PM	#40
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by mcgregni That's getting down to what it's all about. I've lost count of the number of times I've read a forum member (not here so much) say that they never need flash now, because their camera has such good high ISO performance and they can raise the shadows and reveal details without too much noise .... Yes, those who say they don't need flash because their camera can handle high ISO and doing a better job than using flash probably don't know better... the majority of them are from the other camp with big and expensive cameras. They can claim "pro" status whatever they want... doesn't bother me, but I am just be happy with mine so are my customers. LOL. ---------- Post added 08-16-2016 at 05:56 PM ---------- Originally posted by JimJohnson Most wedding services ban flash photography, so available light (sometimes highly variable in color and often pretty dim) - in short, either shutter speed is slow or ISO is pretty high, even with fast lenses. The K-3 is good, but certainly not a miracle. Yes, there are some amazing tools to reduce noise in post processing, but it is an extra step. And at any event where romance is in the air - the lighting is even worse. Flash to the rescue. Yes, I agree and I am sure some (if not most) church services do not allow flash... and I can understand why... As a photographer, I need to find ways to do that when the lighting is inadequate... another case when it is almost completely dark (backstage) and very high back ceiling, with no walls to bounce flash..... here's one that I bounce the flash off my hand (no way I can do it with a heavy Canikon camera). IMO, it would be difficult to get the same photo with similar color as the one here without using flash. Last edited by aleonx3; 08-16-2016 at 02:57 PM.

08-19-2016, 11:15 AM	#43
TheOneAndOnlyJH Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 351	Originally posted by JimJohnson If I know the ceiling (or walls) won't work, and I'm driving versus flying, I have a half-gallon (approximately two liter) white plastic milk jug with the neck cut off and a couple short vertical slits so I can pull it over my flash head. I have no idea if it works as well as Gary Wong's flash adapter, but it does work for the few times I've used it and if cost me nothing (would have been trash otherwise). Here's a few cheap alternatives to bounce flash forward without being direct. They fold flat too, so they will fit in your luggage better than a milk jug. 😝 This is like the rogue flash bender, but much lighter (and cheaper). I have a Rogue large Flash Bender that's good for a stationary setup, but too heavy for on camera. This one is light enough that it works well and doesn't make the flash head flop. http://www.ebay.com/itm/201452853069 This isn't as adjustable, but should work better than a Michael Jackson glove. 😉 It's also very light and fits easily in my camera bag so it's there when I need it. http://www.ebay.com/itm/322122215664 I don't have one of these, but it looks like it would be another good cheap option. http://www.ebay.com/itm/262387970517 Last edited by TheOneAndOnlyJH; 08-19-2016 at 03:50 PM.

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08-16-2016, 10:16 AM	#31
virusn3t Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 676	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Originally posted by aleonx3 Very nice.. yes, that's what I mean. If there is anything to improve, I would balance a bit more ambient light in the mix by cutting down a little on flash (use EV) to preserve the "moment"; like this one that I have done recently. Small question, whats is the green thing on the dress? Is part of the watermak or is a light from the party?

08-16-2016, 10:37 AM	#32
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by virusn3t Small question, whats is the green thing on the dress? Is part of the watermak or is a light from the party? Good question (very observant), the dots on the dress are part of the party light (the dots are all over the places)... here is another one that shows as they turn down the lighting while everyone is in dancing mood. ---------- Post added 08-16-2016 at 01:40 PM ---------- Originally posted by stevebrot What he said ^^^ As for candids...my experience has been that it is only the first flash photo that is candid. As soon as you do it, you have blown your cover. Steve Very true... but still want to remain stealth during the entire event so people don't get tense (or uptight); I don't use flash diffuser (AF360FZGII is excellent for party photos).

08-16-2016, 10:48 AM	#33
virusn3t Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 676	Originally posted by aleonx3 Good question (very observant), the dots on the dress are part of the party light (the dots are all over the places)... here is another one that shows as they turn down the lighting while everyone is in dancing mood. Thanks for the answer.

08-16-2016, 11:43 AM	#34
Culture Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Vaasa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 818	I am going to put some of this advice into use this weekend. the place is nicely lit so I will not be needing that much flash. But its nice to use flash to get the subject pop out of the background. One question though. will a pttl flash go off even if your exposure is above 0?

08-16-2016, 11:51 AM	#35
JimJohnson Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Summer:Lake Superior - Michigan Winter:Texas Hill Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,772 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot What he said ^^^ One of the beauties of P-TTL flash photography is that it sort of frees you to use the aperture and shutter speeds appropriate for the ambient lighting and subject. As for candids...my experience has been that it is only the first flash photo that is candid. As soon as you do it, you have blown your cover. Steve Obviously I'll need to experiment - but as a guest you often don't get the opportunity to check out a facility before the event - especially with the lighting that will be in place during the event. I know what you mean about candids - My experience is that get enough people with cameras and unless you specifically call attention to yourself - or happen to be the designed 'pro', people will ignore you - - sometimes to the point of stepping in front of you and stopping.

08-16-2016, 12:07 PM	#36
mcgregni Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 2,603	Originally posted by Culture .... One question though. will a pttl flash go off even if your exposure is above 0? Yes, if the pop-up flash is raised or accessory flash is on the hotshoe and switched on, then they will always fire. There's always an exposure mode and power level set at all times. It might not be right, but it will fire regardless of the camera exposure settings. I've often wanted a sort of ' quick off ' button, for the odd time I want to take a shot without flash but don't want to switch off the flash and lose the settings.

08-16-2016, 12:18 PM	#37
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by Culture I am going to put some of this advice into use this weekend. the place is nicely lit so I will not be needing that much flash. But its nice to use flash to get the subject pop out of the background. One question though. will a pttl flash go off even if your exposure is above 0? It depends on what you want to achieve, I use flash often even in well-lit (or good enough) conditions. When the quality of lighting is subpar, flash (white) light helps to enhance the light and preserve truer color.

08-16-2016, 12:39 PM - 1 Like	#38
mcgregni Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 2,603	That's getting down to what it's all about. I've lost count of the number of times I've read a forum member (not here so much) say that they never need flash now, because their camera has such good high ISO performance and they can raise the shadows and reveal details without too much noise ....

08-16-2016, 01:23 PM	#39
JimJohnson Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Summer:Lake Superior - Michigan Winter:Texas Hill Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,772 Original Poster	Originally posted by mcgregni That's getting down to what it's all about. I've lost count of the number of times I've read a forum member (not here so much) say that they never need flash now, because their camera has such good high ISO performance and they can raise the shadows and reveal details without too much noise .... Most wedding services ban flash photography, so available light (sometimes highly variable in color and often pretty dim) - in short, either shutter speed is slow or ISO is pretty high, even with fast lenses. The K-3 is good, but certainly not a miracle. Yes, there are some amazing tools to reduce noise in post processing, but it is an extra step. And at any event where romance is in the air - the lighting is even worse. Flash to the rescue.

08-16-2016, 04:48 PM	#41
JimJohnson Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Summer:Lake Superior - Michigan Winter:Texas Hill Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,772 Original Poster	Originally posted by aleonx3 here's one that I bounce the flash off my hand If I know the ceiling (or walls) won't work, and I'm driving versus flying, I have a half-gallon (approximately two liter) white plastic milk jug with the neck cut off and a couple short vertical slits so I can pull it over my flash head. I have no idea if it works as well as Gary Wong's flash adapter, but it does work for the few times I've used it and if cost me nothing (would have been trash otherwise).

08-16-2016, 07:57 PM	#42
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by JimJohnson If I know the ceiling (or walls) won't work, and I'm driving versus flying, I have a half-gallon (approximately two liter) white plastic milk jug with the neck cut off and a couple short vertical slits so I can pull it over my flash head. I have no idea if it works as well as Gary Wong's flash adapter, but it does work for the few times I've used it and if cost me nothing (would have been trash otherwise). I don't use any flash diffusers at all, just need something to bounce off. I think a "Michael Jackson" white glove (left hand only) is all I need if I am in a desperate situation. and probably won't work too well if you have a grip (too heavy) on the camera. That's just for me.. YMMV...

08-19-2016, 09:21 PM	#44
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	These StrobiStrip modifiers look good to me. When using multiple of them at the same time, they have usages beyond the typical rim light application.

08-23-2016, 08:58 AM	#45
UlrichSchiegg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Photos: Gallery Posts: 298	Originally posted by mcgregni Yes, if the pop-up flash is raised or accessory flash is on the hotshoe and switched on, then they will always fire. There's always an exposure mode and power level set at all times. It might not be right, but it will fire regardless of the camera exposure settings. I've often wanted a sort of ' quick off ' button, for the odd time I want to take a shot without flash but don't want to switch off the flash and lose the settings. This is not my experience with the Metz 64. In Flash P-TTL or P-TTL HSS mode, the Metz only fires if there is a gap "setting" to "metering" that requires flash light. PS I have checked the K-70 user manual lately for some other topic. Under flash section it says that you can turn the flash off. On my K-S2 that option does not exist.