Got my Metz 45CL-4 digital and was trying to learn how to use it. This thread is a continuation of a thread started in Weddings, however, since I am now asking for help on technique, I am posting this here.
I am not looking for anyone to say anything about the pictures other than the lighting. What exactly is acceptable? What should I be looking for?
This is also my first attempt at pulling pictures in from another website.
I am trying to understand how to create a stunning sunset portrait using ambient light as well as flash without looking too flashed.
Test 1: This image was taken after several other attempts. I noticed that the flash was hitting the ground in front of Ray, so I moved closer. ISO 400, f/18, 1/30. I really wanted to have an f/5.6 for this picture, but I couldn't get the wider aperture and still drag the shutter. And of course, I forgot what I set the Metz at. I was trying to set the Metz one stop higher than the aperture, so I may have had this at f/22, but I highly doubt it.
Test 2:
ISO 100, f/9.0, 1/50
Kelly...hello...what did you set your Metz flash on? I believe it was on Auto, f/11.
Test 3:
I dialed the Metz down, but of course, without the exact number, this is pointless. However, the flash is beginning to resemble the ambient light. I think I want them to be one stop higher than the ambient light. Is that true?
Test 4:
I put this photo in so you can see how dark it is beginning to get. This was a handheld shot, ISO 100, f/9.0, 1/50. Of course, once again, some foolish boy expected the camera to determine what the Metz flash was set on.
Test 5: ISO 100, f/4.0, 1/15, handheld. What I had the Metz set on is a mystery. I am going to return to this thread, do some more shots, and carefully record the Metz settings for each picture. I know that that what I have done here is virtually useless since I don't include the Metz settings. But I did learn how to include a photo and have more of an essay. That, to me, is helpful.
I was shocked I could set the camera so low, handhold, and get this good of a shot.
