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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
08-17-2016, 08:26 PM
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Yes, I am being a bit confusing. I neglected to say that I was using my dedicated Pentax flash when I was trying out the HSS with the Acon. It just would not work and just defaulted back to the 180 shutter speed. It would go as high as I wanted in Pttl but then gave me no manual control. So I gave up on that, and will now use the Pttl on manual.
---------- Post added 08-17-2016 at 08:45 PM ----------
I will try that one. What I am doing at the moment is setting the shutter to the max flash of 1/180 then exposing for the ambient light (this is late in day, sunset or clouds). I then lock in those readings so 1/180 f5.6 ISO 100 then light subject with flash. Hopefully next week I can post a successful image!
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
08-15-2016, 11:31 PM
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Holy crap, my head is bursting. OK I'm going to be doing two things. On board camera flash for the pictures where she will have the sun behind her or the group shots where they might be in harsh sun and i need to damp down the shadows. Nor worried about that. I will mainly be on P on camera and P-ttl on flash. Plus some bouncing off ceiling in house for getting ready, where I will be mainly on f2.8
Problem area: (or not) For the off camera work: Hahnet Combi transceiver on camera and two flashes with receivers. Flash guns for this are Yongnuo and I will have them on M so I can control the amount of light. My whole point here was why were the Acon triggers recommended for HSS when they only work on the P-TTl setting? Whereas Beholder has said leave camera on M (which I will be doing for the sunset?grey sky pics) and let the flash be automatic, that does not work for this scenario as I need to control the amount of light, whereas if I rely on the flash alone it will try and bounce of the sky light, and not the subjects. Anyway, I don't ever want to hear the word HSS sync again as it is making my head hurt.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
08-14-2016, 05:44 AM
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Thanks again all. I understood from earlier posts that I should be on manual flash in order to control the output. My concern with using Pttl is that I won't have that control? My limited understanding is that the Pttl will 'read' the subject with the preflash and merely give that much light. Of course I could be wrong with that.
I'm not too worried about the day light stuff, I will be ok with that, rather be without flash but the sun will be behind the bride and very glarey if today is anything to go by.
I will have a look at the Cactus for future reference. I just have no idea why I bought the ACON as advised here a few weeks back, as my normal triggers do the same thing in the same way that the on-board flash does?? Whereas the Acon was advised for HSS. Ah, well it's only money.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
08-14-2016, 02:11 AM
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OMG Vanya, I am in more of a mess than ever. Will now totally give up on the HSS, and use available shutters speed as I have done above with Barbie. I bought the Acon to do the HSS as it going to be very bright on the day and I wanted to be able to control that. BUT what I did not notice before is that although most folk here said to use manual flash, the flash will go only to pttl when I up the shutter speed. I have tried everything today but no success either just with on board or using the Acon. The latter wasted money as it will only work Pttl. Last time I tried the Acon I had not realised that it had defaulted to Pttl. The wedding is now two weeks away and I have been to the venue today and I just hope we get some clouds on the day.
Ah well. I'm sure it's not me, I just never thought to ask if the Acon would give me manual control of the flash. To me it seems a bit useless buying it as it seems to do no more that my other triggers!
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
07-08-2016, 10:19 PM
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Thanks for the input everyone. No reply from the service department, which is no surprise really. The situation now becomes even stranger. I am wondering if Mcgregni might be right and it's a configuration problem? For the past four days all has failed except when I simply have the flash isolated and fire the test button. I had another try this morning and all working. I did not consciously check in which order I turned things on, so now about to try different variations to see if that changes anything. I know the Acon had a set pattern, so it will be interesting to see if that has any bearing at all.
Watch this space!
Trish
---------- Post added 07-08-2016 at 10:21 PM ----------
Ah, that was the older model which was M S1 S2 ( I neglected to put the S) so it is simply Manual and slave 1 or 2, no other settings than that. That one seems to work fine.
---------- Post added 07-08-2016 at 10:45 PM ----------
Well just tried every different setting possible and every which way worked. I can only assume that gremlins have been at work. Now the concern is that it decides not to cooperate at the wedding! Oh, well still some time to go until August. We shall have a few more test runs before then and if it continues to decide to work only now and then I shall fall back on the older model. Thanks everyone.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
07-06-2016, 08:13 PM
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HI, mcgregni, yes, I will use the Pentax, and was hoping to use the Yongnuo 5601V as the second light, but that now seems to be a no go. The older Yongnuo is working so will have to use that as the second flash. I was just a bit worried about the latter not being as good as the later model.
I had another play this morning and it is getting quite bizarre: When I simply have the 560 in my hand and use the test button it flashes away time after time, but on the camera, or off with trigger it is a no go. One flash and that's it.
I am now about to send an email to the company and see if they have any answers. I was intending to use the older model as a slave for a back light. Thanks for the reply.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
07-06-2016, 06:38 AM
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Yes I have tried on and off camera, but to no avail. And all settings as you say. Seems I am beset with problems with darn flashes.
---------- Post added 07-06-2016 at 06:39 AM ----------
Yep, tried with half power. And using enloops. Very frustrating.
---------- Post added 07-06-2016 at 06:41 AM ----------
I have an older one and the newer one. The older model seems to work, so I might just have to use that one. I'm not totally sure if it gives enough power, but shall try it out.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
07-06-2016, 12:58 AM
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I have been working on the flash off camera for the upcoming wedding. I seem to have mastered the manual setting on the speed lights, and getting it right. My dilemma now is the Yongnuo 560 1v speed light. I seem only able to get one burst from it and then it will not work again. I have checked every thing I can think of, but to no avail. Interestingly the older Yongnuo, which is essentially a slave, seems to work and keeps firing away. I'm not using it as a slave, but with a receiver triggering off the camera. The setting on this one, are simply M 1 2 and I have it set on M. The later model just goes once then shows the battery as flat,, but it's not.
So, first: shall I just use the old one, find out what's wrong (hopefully here) with the newer one, or try to borrow, beg, steal a second Pentax flash?
Thanks, in advance
trish
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
06-08-2016, 07:46 PM
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Beginning to feel like pen pals mcgregni. Sorry, what is the CTS? Most of this is outdoors, though after all this faffing about, it might move to inside if the weather turns. August here is not a good time for an outdoor wedding! If so I do have a Gary Fong diffuser, but I lost the top bit. though I suppose if necessary I can get a replacement. Anyway seems that advise to use as fill flash on camera is the best idea. Not so worried about the posed shots, just the quickies as they walk down, get out of cars etc. Thanks again.
---------- Post added 06-08-2016 at 07:48 PM ----------
thanks for that, the reflector would be a super idea, and if we can find somewhere to use it I shall. Nice shots by the way.
---------- Post added 06-08-2016 at 07:51 PM ----------
Most of the time the sun will be behind them, and during this part (before bridal party shots) I shall have it on camera. Thanks for the advise.
---------- Post added 06-08-2016 at 07:55 PM ----------
Thanks for that, yes it's just the live action pics I will be using the on camera flash. The posed ones, I will be doing as you do. Still working on that! When you use the off camera, (I have virtually the same set up) do you use naked flash or soft box/umbrella.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
06-08-2016, 03:49 AM
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Just a quick one this time. The wedding I will be shooting will be outside around 3.30 to 5.30. The sun (if we get any in August) will be in back of them for the whole ceremony plus the bridal party shots. I"m just wondering about whether to have a diffuser on the flash for some of the closer shots, such as getting out of the car and during the vows?
As usual any input welcomed.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
06-05-2016, 03:26 AM
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Thanks mcgregni, yes I have managed to get a grasp of the TTL and will be using that while they are popping in and out of cars and such.
Barbi and I have had a play and I think we're nearly there. I'll have more idea when I have a whole sky and not half a fence.
I put the soft boxes fairly close, and went on half power. Of course by the time I fiddled about I was losing a little too much light but I'm pretty happy with the results, not delirious, but feel I am getting there. I exposed for ambient light and changed as I went. So now that I am happy in manual I shall try with a human next time.
What I was doing before, which I had read to do, was set the shutter for max allowed (180) then expose for ambient light. I will try for a higher shutter speed next time as these were 1/80 and if the wind picks up it might blur her dress. Well if she is wearing any floaty bits that is!
Same two shots, just cropped them
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
06-01-2016, 11:00 PM
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Thanks again mcgregni I've just spent most of the day reading Neil's book and now even more confused. He says to use manual flash when people are posed so you have control, then he does an african/american posed shot with ttl... arggghh. I shall now order the next book. (your garden flash uses that HSS word) but I shall look at it. Roll on the weekend.
---------- Post added 06-01-2016 at 11:03 PM ----------
Yes a good sky would be super, Clackers. (well, if I ever master this). The bride is an older lady, and to make it worse her first husband was/is a photographer!
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
06-01-2016, 07:56 AM
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Thanks mcgregni, I must have missed the post about Bryan Petersen, can you give me the title. I just picked up one of the other books, and have been wading through it. Not easy getting help for modeling as it's a bit nippy her around sunset at the moment. So, I shall get my barbi doll mounted on a tripod and try again over the next few days, watch this space . I shall keep notes on what power I am using.I really appreciate the positive critiques you are giving.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
06-01-2016, 03:14 AM
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Thanks again. I have been reading, asking and more reading. I have now come to the conclusion that I won't be needing HSS for this particular shot. I won't be trying to overcome bright light or have moving subjects, so will go with the camera sync for shutter speed. As I will be using manual on the flash, I realise I might have to invest in a battery pack as today's testing allowed only about five shots before going flat, and they are enloops.I am now thinking of buying a battery pack as even though I have eight enloops, it might not be enough. Though today I was using full power, so might try on half tomorrow. My speed lights are Pentax and Yongnuo both being triggered.
The photo of the attached flower is what I want to achieve, but that is taken with the speed light mounted on the camera. The photo of my 'model' pal is nearly there but not yet. I may have been too far away, or one flash was not on full power. The 'model' image is very similar to the one I will by trying to take of the bride and groom, though unsure of what the sky will be like around sunset, might be clear bright light (yuck) or nice coloured clouds, or dark and cloudy.
Oh, Clackers, thanks, and how is the K1?
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
05-22-2016, 08:30 PM
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Thanks, Carl, I now have a better understanding after reading your link. I shall be out and about trying again. Meanwhile I am off to buy a second receiver and hopefully I'll nail this beast!
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
05-20-2016, 03:46 AM
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Thanks, Carl. That last teddy shot I just used the inbuilt flash to see if I got it right in terms of shutter speed. Today is very overcast and I tried again with the speed light on board, not off, just to get the idea. I think it might have been on the right track as the flower (got no bodies( lit up well and the sky was really moody. I have now found a foam head and I shall wedge it onto something and try that down the park. My only worry with the soft boxes, is if I put them too close to the subjects they will be in shot? Perhaps if I remove the baffles I might get more light?
thanks again. Oh, now checking out the link you sent me.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
05-19-2016, 04:53 AM
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Thanks for your kindness Howie. I shall battle on. It took me forever to master white studio backgrounds, still get some spill on black! In terms of notes, I am using the little white cards and now have a bunch of them with instructions on.
---------- Post added 05-19-2016 at 05:09 AM ----------
Sorry Mcgregni, here I am silently jotting things down and forgetting to let you know! I do have the Combi TF and am now trying to order just a second receiver. I don't know if the Cactus would be better, than the Combi, but will try and find that out. I did win a 250 dollar voucher for a WA portrait comp, at the Camera House , so will see if they can source me just a receiver. I found some on the 'net but it was a three pin, not a four. I have written down the book you suggest (on one of my cards) and will get that. I have downloaded your guide and shall print it out on paper I will 'borrow tonight' I must say I am concerned about the size of the soft boxes now. I have been to one of Kingsley's talks, and they are the ones he uses, and he even shows the lights placed about that distance. Anyway I shall plod on. Thank you so much for your encouragement and kind words.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
05-18-2016, 11:44 PM
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yes, I went to take a course but it was the wrong time of day being a very bright and sunny morning, and he got exasperated as we couldn't do HSS. You know what Raart, I have been listening to everyone here, and thanking them so much and trying to learn from all. I am 72 years of age, and this is the first time someone here has managed to bring tears to my eyes because of your somewhat derogatory comments.
Just because I am having problems with exposing for a late afternoon/sunset shot doesn't mean I am as incompetent as you make me feel. https://www.flickr.com/photos/92224972@N08/ |
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
05-18-2016, 08:51 PM
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Thanks for that Mcgregni. I think I should stick to bird photography!! I am going to keep trying. I shall have to wait until next week for a person but I shall drag out the old Ted again. The soft boxes or box, as I could only use one are the ones the 'teacher'uses and he does incredible photography with them. I have attended one of his lectures and his wedding photography and portraits are fantastic. I shall persevere. (just popped outside and did what you suggested). I was only using my on board camera. Seems to work a lot better that last nigh't's effort. Then again it is a little lighter though cloudy. Without the horrible background, at least I have kept the sky!! Oh should I take the front cover ? off the soft box to get more light?
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
05-18-2016, 08:21 PM
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RAART I don't have that kind of soft box, it is an elastic fitting, which is why the slave can't see the light. Your pics aren't what I am looking for, I'm looking for the sky detail as in the photo I posted earlier. I am stuck with these soft boxes.
---------- Post added 05-18-2016 at 08:30 PM ----------
Carl, thanks, I really only went HSS because that was what I was told I needed by the fellow I bought the boxes from, plus most of the millions of sites I looked on all said it. I am now going to try your way. I must say the photos looked better in the view finder, and I think we were losing too much light by then. I suppose also when I took the photo a few years ago, where I exposed for the sky, it came in at 1/350 and I had a cable attached to the flash. As that one worked I thought I needed the HSS. Plus when I do the shots when it is a sunset sky the reading will be higher than last night. I shall battle on. thank you so much for your input.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
05-18-2016, 08:42 AM
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Thanks so much every one, it is great to get all this feed back. I did most of the above, except I had it on spot metering but will change that to center metering tomorrow. I took a mad friend down tonight, no sunset but quite a moody sky. I used the slave without the soft box as no matter where I put it, the optical a part is hidden by the soft box. I shall now try an umbrella. I would like to have a second receiver but that would mean a new flash as well, and that is not an option right now. So here is what I did this evening, and it seems the lights might be a tad too close. Anyway I would love your input. These have been only cropped, no adjustments in PS
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
05-17-2016, 10:57 PM
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Thanks everyone. I really do want to avoid the ND if possible due to focusing probs, as I find it hard to find my subject with that on. If I have just me at a waterfall or some such it's not a problem as I have time to squint and test, but with a bride and groom I want to be spot on. I think the Yongnuo is firing ok. as it is happily popping away when the Pentax flash fires. (I cant use the soft box on this one as it can't see the flash)
I don't know if I am getting enough ummph. I just don't seem to be able to keep detail in the sky? I have a couple of images here (one I stole and the bride and groom are about the same age as my couple and similar surroundings}. This is what I am hoping to achieve.
I have also some I took with my mate Ted. I am just not succeeding. I know this is not a 'how to site' but you all seem to know what you are doing., so I am so grateful you are out there.
8139 is the sky with some detail (bright sun on the other side) 8135 blown out 1/640 f2.8, 8123 my setup 2.8 1/1000, 8 073 Ted ok but no detail in sky
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
05-17-2016, 06:26 AM
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I thought I answered this. Thanks for the advice on ND Beholder and might try that if all else fails. What I want to do seems so simple but I'm obviously stuffing something up. I did go to have a lesson with the fellow I bought the soft boxes from, as he is an very good off camera photographer and runs classes. We began a one on one, but I couldn't get the Acon to work (my fault as there are steps to follow). When I said I would have only one radio and one slave, he got a bit exasperated, and I got the Cannon spiel about HSS and triggers all compatible blah blah. So I slunk home with the soft boxes and at this stage I seem to be stuffing things up in a big way. I shall take my long suffering dog to the beach near sunset tomorrow, and bribe him with treats and see if I can get this sorted. Now unsure whether to try the soft boxes, or go for a shoot through umbrella.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
05-17-2016, 03:53 AM
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The ND filter sounds like a jolly good solution.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
05-17-2016, 03:26 AM
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Thanks RAART. I think I understand your meaning. I am triggering the Pentax and working the Yongnua as a slave. Is that what "triggering optically" means?
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