Camera Settings when using on-camera speedlight: I am having difficulties shooting indoor events when using a flash. I believe the problem is the camera settings that I'm using. I know...

Zaydewise Loc: Nashville TN

I am having difficulties shooting indoor events when using a flash. I believe the problem is the camera settings that I'm using. I know each situation is different but I wanted to get some ideas about common camera settings with flash - ISO, SS, Aperture, manual or AP/SS priority.

Zaydewise Loc: Nashville TN

I should have mentioned that I use TTL for the flash.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You might mention the model and brand of camera and flash too ...

Zaydewise Loc: Nashville TN

Sony a7RII and Nissin i40

SonyA580 Loc: FL in the winter & MN in the summer

Set the camera, and the flash, to "TTL". This will make things a lot simpler for you.

Joe Blow

Zaydewise wrote:

I should have mentioned that I use TTL for the flash.

Angling the head at 46-60 degrees with a white card in order to bounce the light will help with a lot of your shadows and unevenness.

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

I’m inferring a lot here since there wasn’t a whole lot of info given, but I think you’ve experienced the same thing I have a few times. I don’t use a speedlight much and probably don’t know as much as I should about flash photography. A few times when using aperture priority on my Canon T3i, it has seemed like the flash slowed the shutter way down as if it was a sync speed problem. I wish I could provide an answer but I can give you my sympathy and I’m going to follow & hope to learn something.

Walt

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Joe Blow wrote:

Angling the head at 46-60 degrees with a white card in order to bounce the light will help with a lot of your shadows and unevenness.

Finally, somebody else suggests the #10 business envelope flash bouncer.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

For events, I usually shoot with the camera in full manual mode ( no auto ISO either) and ttl with the flash.
Try to keep the ambient exposure about a stop lower that metered and use the flash to make your main exposure.
I bounce whenever and wherever I can, even off of cement walls if they are fairly neutral in color.
If I can’t bounce, a light genius scoop is the next best thing.
The larger source gives you a softer light than direct flash, if the subjects are close enough.

pixbyjnjphotos Loc: Apache Junction,AZ

Make sure you set your white balance to flash!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Zaydewise wrote:

I am having difficulties shooting indoor events when using a flash. I believe the problem is the camera settings that I'm using. I know each situation is different but I wanted to get some ideas about common camera settings with flash - ISO, SS, Aperture, manual or AP/SS priority.

Today's high ISO camera's have made using a flash indoors appear to be taken without using a flash.
To answer your question, it all depends how complicated you want to get.
For me, first thing I do is aim my flash head up and behind me, then, depending on how dark it is inside, I use ISO's from 800-2000. I use manual for the camera and TTL on the flash. My exposures vary, I can use a slow shutter speed because the flash freezes the action. My exposure vary but I usually use 1/30 to 1/125 second, my f stop is usually stopped down two to three stops from wide open although I have used wide open exposures.
I do test shots when ever I go into a new venue or change rooms. I take the first shot, check the exposure, and then make small adjustments to fine tune, I can change ISO, shutter speed or f stop's.
For more advanced I use gels on the flash and set the camera to the correct color temperature for the light I am shooting under.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Zaydewise wrote:

I am having difficulties shooting indoor events when using a flash. I believe the problem is the camera settings that I'm using. I know each situation is different but I wanted to get some ideas about common camera settings with flash - ISO, SS, Aperture, manual or AP/SS priority.

Flash on TTL, shutter at max sync speed, aperture for the DOF needed for the subject or affect desired, ISO on Auto, limits at lowest and highest. You can't go wrong.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I use M(anual) on all settings except the flash (ETTL). On the 80D ss is 1/250 sec (max sync speed), ISO 800. On the lens, f8 (on my zoom. It can't be 5.6 or wider since I am nearer the tele end.)

With the shutter speed that fast it is usually fast enough to reduce ambient light exposure to not be a factor.

If you use A(perture) or T(ime or shutter speed preferred) the camera will likely try to set itself for proper exposure for ambient light.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Zaydewise wrote:

I am having difficulties shooting indoor events when using a flash. I believe the problem is the camera settings that I'm using. I know each situation is different but I wanted to get some ideas about common camera settings with flash - ISO, SS, Aperture, manual or AP/SS priority.

You set your camera as usual, aperture for DOF, ISO for low noise, etc. The flash is just a add on afterwards (its a second exposure added to the first)!

halraiser

You don't say what equipment you are using, nor do you say what your setting are. I do know that at least with my Canon and an aftermarket flash, if I set the shutter speed too fast only part of the image will benefit from the flash. If you have anything like that, try a slower shutter speed.