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kgphoto · 09-17-2007

Kelly,

As far as flash distance goes, my 200B will produce f:4.0 at 20 feet at a full power @ 100 ASA/ISO. If I add a telephoto reflector TO THE FLASH it will make f:8.0 with a narrower field of coverage that just happens to match my 250 mm Sonar lens. So it would have worked for your band person.

The key is to have the right tools for the job and know how to use them.

That is a professional.

That is why you pay them to do something you cannot do as well. Anybody can point a camera on auto and hope for the best the same as anybody can pound nails with a hammer. The difference is a pro know what hammer to use most efficiently and sometimes, that hammer is a nail gun.

Most pro flashes new have built in telelphoto settings or accessories available. If yours doesn't, time to upgrade. Then learn how to use it.

Shoot manual,not automatic. That is what is holding you back. You are not aware of what the settings are when you are in the moment. Auto it too easily fooled by changes, so you have to know when it is being fooled to adjust it. Since you are going to have to pay attention and think about the setting anyway, then just set them manually as well.

You are slowing down your understanding of what is "good or bad" by shooting on auto. Stop it! I can't make it any clearer. Yes, there will always be times that auto will work fine. Just as there will always be times when it won't. Don't be afraid and don't look for short cuts yet.

You can do it.

09-17-2007	#495 (permalink)
kgphoto Dromedary Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,425 CamelKarma: 614 Gallery \| Blog	Re: Understanding Exposure Kelly, As far as flash distance goes, my 200B will produce f:4.0 at 20 feet at a full power @ 100 ASA/ISO. If I add a telephoto reflector TO THE FLASH it will make f:8.0 with a narrower field of coverage that just happens to match my 250 mm Sonar lens. So it would have worked for your band person. The key is to have the right tools for the job and know how to use them. That is a professional. That is why you pay them to do something you cannot do as well. Anybody can point a camera on auto and hope for the best the same as anybody can pound nails with a hammer. The difference is a pro know what hammer to use most efficiently and sometimes, that hammer is a nail gun. Most pro flashes new have built in telelphoto settings or accessories available. If yours doesn't, time to upgrade. Then learn how to use it. Shoot manual,not automatic. That is what is holding you back. You are not aware of what the settings are when you are in the moment. Auto it too easily fooled by changes, so you have to know when it is being fooled to adjust it. Since you are going to have to pay attention and think about the setting anyway, then just set them manually as well. You are slowing down your understanding of what is "good or bad" by shooting on auto. Stop it! I can't make it any clearer. Yes, there will always be times that auto will work fine. Just as there will always be times when it won't. Don't be afraid and don't look for short cuts yet. You can do it.