Using speed li 600 with Nikon d7000: I am having a very hard time getting good shots with my flash. I didn't realize it had so many capabilities. Can anyone tell me how to set it on a...

ssohl Loc: NJ

I am having a very hard time getting good shots with my flash. I didn't realize it had so many capabilities. Can anyone tell me how to set it on a basic setting for inside where it's dark i.e. Church (my granddaughter was baptized yesterday and I totally blew it...all too dark). Unless I was very close everything is too dark even when I upped the flash output. My nephew is getting married next weekend and I really want to get some good candid shots at the reception. I just need to know good basic settings. The manual is not real helpful as I am a novice with it and I don't understand what they assume I do. Thanks in advance for any help.

Just realized I sent this with half the topic missing. I am using an sb 600 with Nikon d7000.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

ssohl wrote:

I am having a very hard time getting good shots wi... (show quote)

Put your flash in TTL Mode, it's output will be controlled by the cameras meter. Make sure you have no flash compensation set on the flash unit itself unless you need to fine tune the output. That combo will give you good results, and your flash instruction manual will detail how to get the settings you want.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

One more thing, the farther away the flash is, the less light it will throw on the subject. You will need to use a wider aperture and/or a higher ISO setting (or as you discovered, move closer. The shutter setting will not affect the flash exposure in a normal setting.

ssohl Loc: NJ

Thank you both for your suggestions. I will practice before Saturday with higher iso and try some adjustments in aperture. When I pit the flash on I think I forgot about camera settings. Appreciate your help.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

I have the same setup. Start with Manual mode, ISO 400, 1/200 sec, f4. If you need more "reach" from the flash, you can increase the ISO.

ssohl Loc: NJ

Thank you!

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

Take a meter reading of the church then set camera in manual to what the meter reads then use ttl use a tripod if you can .

ssohl Loc: NJ

Thank you.

hcmcdole

Take the flash off the camera (put it on a cheap light stand or have an assistant hold it) and move it closer to your subject. You can use a telephoto in this case as the light won't need more power the further away you move and you can still shoot TTL or manual. Radio control is the best way to trigger it but there are other options as well. This opens a lot more possibilities than having it on camera. Have fun and experiment with different lighting positions and modifiers (umbrellas, soft boxes, more flashes, etc.)

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Listen to goofy, he's got it right.
You may consider posting the question in the wedding forum. Lots of others there have a ton of experience in difficult lighting situations. It's "what we do"

ssohl Loc: NJ

Okay, I did okay with all your advice...thank you. My biggest problem was flash response time. So now my question is what is the best type of batteries? I just had ordinary Kodak batteries. Are rechargeable more reliable, faster? Thanks.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

ssohl wrote:

Okay, I did okay with all your advice...thank you. My biggest problem was flash response time. So now my question is what is the best type of batteries? I just had ordinary Kodak batteries. Are rechargeable more reliable, faster? Thanks.

If by response time you mean recycle time, I don't find much difference between batteries when they are new.
(I use an aux battery lack for long events but I don't think that is an option with the SB 600) it's when they have been used I can tell a difference. Sanyo/Panasonic Eneloops are what I use. Nickel Metal Hydride rechargables. They don't seem to drop off as fast when they get used. If you're using small apertures, it's going to need more time to recycle than a larger aperture.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

ssohl wrote:

Okay, I did okay with all your advice...thank you. My biggest problem was flash response time. So now my question is what is the best type of batteries? I just had ordinary Kodak batteries. Are rechargeable more reliable, faster? Thanks.

Recycle times on the flash are affected by the power output used, full power will have a much longer recycle time than 1/8 power needs. The fastest recycle times come with new Alkaline batteries as they are 1.7 volts when new falling off to 1.2 volts when depleted. Rechargables are always 1.2 volts but maintain that level throughout their discharge time and then quit rapidly. If you are experiencing long recycle times in TTL then you are using high power to flash the scene, just keep an eye on your ready light.

CO

GoofyNewfie wrote:

One more thing, the farther away the flash is, the less light it will throw on the subject. You will need to use a wider aperture and/or a higher ISO setting (or as you discovered, move closer. The shutter setting will not affect the flash exposure in a normal setting.

This is good advice. The flash may be firing at its highest output level already. I boost the ISO setting of the camera. If you're using direct flash you may get harsh light. I got the Vello Octa 8" softbox. It's a great addition to a flash.

ssohl Loc: NJ

Thank you all. Love that I can get such good advice here. I still feel like a novice. How do I a lower output level? Is it just by adjusting my camera settings or do I need to set something on the flash itself?