Day 2: Get Fired Up - Using your Flash on Manual
For many of us, our photography journey started in automatic mode.
We snapped countless shots, sometimes ending up with less-than-ideal results before realizing that our camera's automatic settings couldn't quite capture our creative vision. At that point, we made the deliberate choice to embrace manual mode, dedicating ourselves to learning the ropes and taking control of our photography.
Learning to use flash follows a similar path. It requires practice, perseverance, and a willingness to face a few challenges along the way. However, the end result is undoubtedly worth the effort. 😁
Just as I prefer to use my camera in manual mode, I also favor manual mode for my flash. Why?
Because it grants me complete control over all settings. I'd rather be the one making decisions, whether it's my camera or my flash, rather than relying on automatic settings.
While I'll be sharing my preferred approach with you, remember that there are various ways to use flash, and it's worth exploring different methods. This course offers one path among many. :)
Understanding Flash Settings
To keep things simple as you get started, we'll focus on the absolute essentials. We can explore more advanced features once you've gained confidence with your flash.
First, let's get acquainted with the knobs and dials on your flash and triggers and focus on establishing effective communication between your flash and trigger.
The example images depict the Canon 580 EXII and the Flashpoint Zoom Li-On/Godox V1. If you're working with a different brand or model, you may see a different setup.
Flashpoint Zoom Li-ON/Godox V1 LCD:
For your Flashpoint/Godox speed lite (shown here), it's crucial to set it to slave mode, allowing you to control it seamlessly from your camera. Remarkably, you won't need an additional receiver for this flash since it's ingeniously built into the body.
Zoom: This button allows you to adjust the width of the light beam. Zooming out to 24mm creates a wide beam, while setting it to 105mm narrows the beam considerably.
Power Switch: It's as straightforward as it sounds; this switch turns your flash on and off. Most flashes will automatically power down after a period of inactivity, but you can often customize this timing.
Mode: This button lets you select between different modes, including ETTL, multi, and manual. For now, we're focusing on manual mode—select "M" for this setting.
Flash Power Dial: This dial enables you to fine-tune your flash's power, adjusting it incrementally. For the Flashpoint/Godox light, press the +/- sign, then rotate the dial to your desired setting. If you're using the Canon Speedlite, press the center button in the dial, then rotate to select the power level.
When it comes to adjusting your flash's power, press the center of your power dial.
The numbers will start to flash (circled in orange in the image shown), giving you the freedom to rotate the dial until you've reached your preferred setting.
To lock in your choice, press the middle button.
It's crucial to ensure that both your transmitter and receiver share matching channel and group settings.
Canon Speedlite:
For the Canon Speedlite (shown here), you will require a receiver to establish communication with the transmitter on your camera. It's crucial to ensure that both your transmitter and receiver share matching channel and group settings.
Mount the receiver to bottom of flash and lock in place. Turn on.
Turn on your flash power.
Put your flash mode on manual "M".
Mount transmitter to camera's hotshoe.
Make sure the receiver is on the same channel and group as your transmitter.
Press "Test" button on top of your transmitter (mounted on camera)