Simple Flash Techniques with My D7000 and SB-600

Photography is art.  When I look through my camera's viewfinder, I'm looking for art.  The camera is my tool.  I can adjust the zoom, aperture, shutter speed, and produce something creative.  Something of my own.

A tool that I use with my camera is an external flash.  This changes the mood, light, and colors I see.

The Nikon SB-600 flash is a great all around external flash to use.  I've used it with my D40, D5000, and D7000 cameras.  While the SB-600 feels cumbersome and bulky on my D40, it feels well balanced with my D7k.

What's included with the SB-600?  A plastic flash stand to mount on a tripod and use as a slave flash, a soft case, and a sliding diffuser that's built into the flash head.

The accessories I've purchased for my SB-600 include a StoFen Diffuser and a Gary Fong Lightsphere (Cloud).  Both products work well.  When I use my flash, I always have the StoFen attached.  It softly diffuses the harsh projected light.  I've experimented with the GF Lightsphere and use it primarily for portraits and taking pictures of flowers.  It's best used for up close pictures.

The first year I had my SB-600, I used the flash straight on.  I didn't know any better.  I noticed huge shadows appeared behind my subjects.  I also noticed a lot of red-eyes.  As you can imagine, a lot of my pictures were blown out.  The flash was too bright...even with the flash exposure set to 0.  It was frustrating.  I didn't like my pictures.



Sto-Fen Diffuser:

I started doing some research and noticed a lot of photographers were using diffusers.  That's when I bought this Sto-Fen Diffuser made for the SB-600.  It sits over the flash head and diffuses/spreads the light over a wider surface area.  It lessons the shadows (some are still there but not as pronounced) and softens the light on the subject.  I was happy with the results I was getting, but I was still getting some red-eyes.

I then played around with the flash head.  Moving it straight up to bounce off the ceiling.  Moving it around (swiveling on the base) and point the flash head behind me towards a wall.  Bouncing the flash reduces the harsh light directed at the subject.  I'm not a technical person when it comes to photography.  If one is interested in knowing the technical aspects of external flashes and the bounce techniques, I would research this on Google.

This is my typical flash setup with the flash head pointed slightly upwards

I used this setup when I take portrait pictures and I turn the camera sideways

When I don't want a lot of flash (softer light), I will bounce the flash behind me towards a wall or ceiling

After experimenting with the movements of the flash head, I noticed something else was missing or lacking in my pictures.  Sometimes the flash was still too bright.  I've learned to play with the adjustments right on the flash itself.  While my camera exposure remains at 0 (zero), I've learned to tweak the flash settings.  Many times I've been inside a dark house, room, or church setting and the flash pushes out immense light...even when bouncing off the walls or ceiling.  I've learned to adjust the flash exposure down.  Typically for portraits and still life, I will adjust the flash down to -0.7.

My typical external flash settings I use.  I press the "-" button until I get to -0.7

When I take pictures of my artwork, the -0.7 setting on my flash will produce a harsh glare on my paintings.  I've had to adjust the flash down further to -1.0 and sometimes -1.3.  

Again, press the "-" button until I get to -1.0

If I just want some soft lighting, I will go all the way down to -2.0.  

Pressing the "-" to get to -2.0 for just some soft lighting from the flash

All this depends on how far away you are standing from your subjects.  The settings above are good for distances of 5-10 feet from your subject.  If you are further away, you will need to up the flash exposure...possibly going up to +0.7 or even +1.0.  I hardly ever have to go in the + side of exposure.


Note:  pictures were taken with my Nikon D40 and SB-400 external flash:

My 4 year old D40 used to take the pictures for this post.  It's my back up camera.  This camera has taken over 15,000 pictures and still produces beautiful colors!

The Nikon Coolpix AW100

For the last two years, I've been doing some research on waterproof/shockproof/drop-proof point & shoot cameras.  My research led me to the Canon D10 and possibly one by Panasonic.  The D10 had mixed reviews.  The IQ (image quality) was way above average and to my liking.  Underwater photos were coming out superb quality and great colors.  Unfortunately, the camera itself was plagued by software/hardware issues.  It also appeared to be hit or miss.  Kind of like...it works great all the time or you get a lemon.  Another issue was a leakage problem.  I believe that is the result of operator error.  If you follow the instructions in the manual, there shouldn't be a leakage problem.

As you can see, my primary usage for an all weather camera is...snorkeling.  For the last 4 years, I've used an Olympus 790 SW p&s camera.  It has traveled with me to several Caribbean islands where I snorkeled in the water and played on the beach.  Earlier this year in Aruba, my tough Olympus finally leaked.

I couldn't bring myself to get the Canon D10.  It's always been on the top of my list for picture quality, but the nagging software/hardware issues were prevalent as I was reading more and more consumer reviews.  A few months ago, Nikon finally announced a new camera...the Coolpix AW100.

Now, I don't want to remind a camera salesperson that I spoke to two years ago about the possibility of Nikon making a waterproof/shockproof camera.  The sales person laughed at me and said "Nikon wouldn't dream of getting into that market".  Well, they finally have done it.  I believe they are the last well-known camera manufacturer to enter this market.  And about time!

So, I present to you a new toy!

Nikon Coolpix AW100 with a sturdy single side latch

Back view with simple buttons

I have yet to test this baby underwater.  I did wander around the house taking pictures to see if this camera could handle what I threw at it.  At first, I was disappointed at the IQ results.  I ended up having a chat with myself...reminding me that this is no match and no comparison to my fancy Canon S90 p&s camera.  My S90 has a lot of bells and whistles.  My new AW100...does not.  

The next two pictures were taken in the late afternoon.  Here is my new floor standing easel:  

No flash - ISO 400

With flash - ISO 200

Silk flowers test:

No flash - ISO 800

With flash - ISO 200

Random pictures test:

No flash - ISO 800 (notice the grainy background)

With flash - ISO 200

No flash - ISO 800

I think the AW100 is a decent camera.  I would not use it for low light photography.  That's why I have my Canon S90.  The AW100 produces pretty good pictures when the flash is used.  I will be testing it outdoors (daylight) where I plan on using this camera the most.


Oh...back to my beloved Olympus p&s camera.  While I was snorkeling in Aruba early this year, the camera decided to get an error message.  More like my whole LCD display was screaming an orange error message.  I immediately took the camera out of the water.  Several times I turned the camera off and on and several times I ended up with an LCD looking like a scrambled TV.

My hubby kept telling me that I was trying to bring back some of that Caribbean ocean with me:

My Olympus 790SW work horse (media & battery) drying out

Once back on the ship, I dunked/rinsed my camera and left it to dry.  After a few hours, I opened the compartment door and pulled out my media card and battery.  Sure enough they had wet spots all over.  I removed the water and let them dry out overnight.    

The camera still works, but I can no longer use it near water.  It will be a matter of time before it will stop working.  I'm sure there are bits of dried salt inside the camera.  I believe the seals have worn out because of use and age.

I will testing out my new AW100 in a sink full of water to make sure it doesn't leak and the buttons function properly.  The real test will in the Caribbean next month!

Merry Christmas!

A few days ago, I had a chance to visit the nursery where my hubby works.  It was all decked out for the holiday season.  I forgot to bring my Nikon, but I did have my handy-dandy Canon p&s with me.  So, I practiced my "hold the camera still" technique and got a few shots:  

A red tree

Huge wreath hanging from the high ceiling

The elves taking a break

Poinsettias galore!

Wired dressform decorated

The Santa Shop

I don't know where the month of December went.  It arrived here fast.  We hardly have any decorations up at our house.  I can't tell if it's because I'm getting older and time seems to go fast or is it because I'm getting busier and busier each year?

Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas!  

A Chris-Myth Busters Musical...A Picture Taking Event

I am so behind in my photography posts.  It appears I won't be doing my technical posts until closer to Christmas weekend...which is coming up soon!  I'll have a few days off from work and can spend some quality time taking pictures and examples.

In the meantime, I do have pictures from a Christmas musical/play from our church last Saturday.  I was the "designated" photographer and had my space up and front and center.  Picture this...center aisle bull-pen.  The director, the videographer, and I were holed up in the bull-pen.  I thought I would be able to "walk up and down" the bull-pen to get some close-ups and some further back wide-angle shots.  Well...I was able to get a lot of close-ups.  I somehow got stuck in the front as the videographer and the director moved their seats and equipment closer to the center aisle.  I was blocked in.  Not a bad thing.  I had to make do with the 2'x2' area and the tiny kindergarten chair as my seat (so my head wasn't blocking the video camera).  It was all in fun.

I only had time to attend the last quick dress rehearsal they had for that week and took practice pictures (lights and settings).  I didn't have the whole program in my head and ended up being surprised during the actual program.

When the lights were dimmed, my trusty D7k and my gut instincts took over.


To my immediate right, the kids popped up and stood in their chairs and sang:

These cute kids were standing on their tiny chairs: angels, wise men and women, & shepherds
32mm, f4.0, 1/125, ISO 2200

Getting closer...
44mm, f4.5, 1/125, ISO 2200

...and closer
120mm, f5.3, 1/80, ISO 3200

The actual play took place over towards the center and to my right:

26mm, f3.8, 1/125, ISO 3200

This was a very cute moment during the musical:

18mm, f3.5, 1/50, ISO 3200

Check out the shadow in the background:

22mm, f3.8, 1/60, ISO 3200

Of course, the kids enjoyed the spotlight:

18mm, f3.5, 1/100, ISO 3200

I took a picture of the poster the night before:

24mm, f3.8, 1/80, ISO 3200

And after the musical/play, the cast members posed for me:  

18mm, f3.5, 1/125, ISO 2800

The director with his flashlight (rehearsals):

Lights out!
40mm, f4.5, 1/125, ISO 560

A beautiful performance during rehearsals:

18mm, f3.5, 1/40, ISO 3200

I didn't have too much difficulty with the lighting and getting the shots I wanted.  I left my camera on P-mode.  My exposure was set to 0 (zero).  Normally I would bump the exposure up or down slightly, but the spotlights were bright enough to leave it at 0.  The metering mode I use mostly is center-weighted average.  I also primarily use single focus point which allows me to move the focus point around before taking a picture.

I've tried using the multiple focus points (e.g. d9, d21, d39, and auto) and had frustrating results.  I stick with single (e.g. s) point  and I can control where the lens should focus.

Even though I had my external SB-600 flash with me, I did not have to use it at all.

I took 200+ pictures during the musical/play and had only a handful that were not useable.  Not bad, huh?

A Quiet Evening in Old Town

Hubby and I decided to spend a quiet evening in Old Town.  Naturally, my camera came along.

I finally took a fantastic shot of the train station with the perfect sky:  

The Train Station in Old Town:  20mm, f3.5, 1/15, ISO 3200

Painted Tonight...Christmas Candles

A quick painting tonight.  I ended up using 8 brushes to paint this small painting.  

Yellow Ochre wash sketch

Painted in the dark value

Decided to paint the candles next

The finished painting...Christmas Candles

My palette.  The only color I didn't use was the blue...which turned out blah!

Weird?

I had the weirdest thing happen to me a few minutes ago.  I had taken pictures of my wreath (office wreath contest), as in 13 pics, and they are no where to be found.  I've checked my primary and secondary SDHC cards...no pictures from today.

It's really strange because I was checking my LCD and reviewing my photos after I took the pictures.  They were on the camera.

I just went back to take more pictures to see what's going on.  Got back to my Mac and looked for the newest pictures on the card.  The most recent set was there.  I checked the numbering sequence of my pictures and sure enough...I'm missing 13 pictures.  I'm really scratching my head on this one....

Over the next few evenings, I will be taking a break from wreath project to take pictures for my upcoming "techniques" posts.  Can't have a post without pictures (except for this one).  :)