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So far, I am enjoying my new Speedlight (Nikon SB-700), but any good results I have gotten have been mostly luck. I'd really like to understand how to use it so that I can make intentional technical decisions (as opposed to relying entirely on accidents and tweaking).

Assuming that I have a decent understanding of ISO / Aperture / Shutter in non-flash photography, what would you recommend as a very first, hands-on step to systematically explore how to use my setup in flash photography?

I am perfectly willing to take 200 consecutive photos of the same object if you think it is instructive to do so.

(As part of the answer, I'm also looking for settings: TTL vs Manual vs Distance Priority? Manual exposure mode vs Aperture- / Shutter-priority? Center-weighted vs spot metering vs matrix? Slow/rear/no curtain sync?)

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You might want to check out the answers to this question as well: photo.stackexchange.com/questions/14453/… – ElendilTheTall Nov 26 '11 at 11:31

2 Answers

up vote 6 down vote accepted

Easy. Strobist website Lighting 101

For specifics to Nkon CLS - Nikon CLS Practical Guide

For systematic assessment of ambient vs flash and other things, Neil van Niekerk's books On Camera Flash and Off Camera Flash

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I think you may be missing the spirit of my question. The Strobist site will no doubt be a valuable general resource to me, but I'm looking for a more specific answer -- more specific activites, and more specific to what I have. The Lighting 101 series talks about stands, clamps, umbrellas, general scenarios, etc. – anon Nov 26 '11 at 0:54
Thank you for adding the Nikon CLS site and book recommendations. I've been making my way through the website articles, and they are indeed a systematic treatment. I don't feel as lost anymore. – anon Dec 10 '11 at 23:53
@MikeW - the Off Camera Flash link has died, can you re-link the book you're talking about? – rfusca♦ Feb 23 '12 at 19:51
Yep, thanks, updated. – MikeW Feb 23 '12 at 20:23
up vote 4 down vote

The more systematic approach, I think, is the best way to really learn. If you can get yourself a manikin, or part of one, then you can play with a huge variety of settings with a portrait subject. With that, I'd be looking to be using manual mode and kind of go along with something:

  1. Move from the left to the right side of the subject at known heights relative to the subject
  2. At each position run up through the flash power levels (1/64th through full)
  3. Repeat the above adjust the height of your flash on the subject
  4. Repeat the above by moving the flash further away

For each shot, record light positioning and power information and the EXIF will record the rest of the information (shutter, ISO, and aperture). You can then examine the shots in comparison to your notes to see the effects of each move. Bear in mind that you'll make camera adjustments for the exposure, but let your shot be your meter and adjust until you have it. Great way to learn the relative impact of ISO, aperture, and shutter to your light output.

However, in all of this, it's just about taking some decent notes about your shot for each one and tying it to the result. You could be crazy thorough or run a few angles, either is good if you have notes.

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When you say "Move from the left to the right side" -- do you mean move the flash only, or do you mean that the entire unit (flash attached to camera) should move? Also, what do you mean by "let your shot be your meter"? Lastly, my wife will think that it is creepy that I am hiding in the basement taking 1000 photos of a mannequin. Any tips on how to deal with her? =) – anon Nov 26 '11 at 4:20
@anon - I mean move the flash, put your camera on a tripod. For metering, if you're manual, you won't really have any other option other than to look at your shot and adjust your camera unless you do the math ahead of time or you have a light meter. As for your wife, make her the subject for a while, she'll understand pretty quick... :) – John Cavan♦ Nov 26 '11 at 4:28

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