Originally posted by D4rknezz Don,
This helps a lot. How do you quickly calculate the difference in stops, given the meter gives reading of f-stops, full stops....Do you literally just take half the reading of the highlight? If the highlight is f16, and shadow area is f6.3, how would you calculate/ballpark this ?
thanks!
remember every full aperture stop, halves or doubles the light reaching the sensor, so f16 and f6.3 is a HUGE contrast ratio..solid blacks really if you aren't blowing the highlights...
well it is possible to calculate your flash exposure using guide numbers..no meter required.. but I suck at math. I know from experience that my flash unit
at half power needs to be really close to the subject to shoot through a white umbrella and balance with full sun... so I'd get it in there within three feet of the bride, then meter for the highlights... then check the contrast as I mentioned earlier...
and my flash meter will measure tenth stops easily, so if the subject is critical, I take the time to do it right... non critical, just eyeball it...
but shooting everything on manual is repeatable and controllable, but not as fast as using auto features.. so if timing is everything, then set your camera to manual and set your flash to tt-l (full auto ) and use a dedicated ttl cord and your flash exposure comp to dial in on a nice flash fill exposure...
I say learn in manual, then you'll have a better understanding of what your equipment is doing on auto and you'll trouble shoot everything faster when it really matters..