Flash
I don’t like flash. I just don’t. But, for wedding photography you’ve got to use flash. There’s no way around it. I’m not claiming to be a flash expert. Maybe that’s why I don’t like it. But, I do know what has worked for me.
I have the Canon 580EX speedlite. This is a flash that you connect to the top of your camera. 2 of the main differences that will be applicable for you Mom*togs between speedlites and the flash that comes on some DSLR cameras is that 1) it’s more powerful and 2) you can move the head of the flash around to direct the light where you want it to go, which is called “bouncing” the light. When you bounce the light off the ceiling or a wall you are diffusing the light so it’s not so harsh and it looks more natural. It also helps to eliminate red eye. Things to keep in mind when you are bouncing your flash off of a ceiling is that the ceiling needs to be relatively low (it will not work on cathedral ceilings) and the ceiling should be white or a light color. It won’t really work well off of a dark colored ceiling. The head of the flash swivels in all directions so if you find yourself somewhere with a high or dark ceiling you can always bounce it off of a nearby wall. The key with flash is to experiment with it and see what works!
The formula I always work with when shooting with a flash is the 4/4/4 formula (I don’t know if that’s a technical term, but i just made it up!). f4.0, 1/40 of a second, and 400 ISO. Why such a low shutter speed? Because I want to allow ambient light in. I don’t want to over power the image with harsh, fake, light. The flash will freeze the action so you don’t get motion blur. I always start with this formula and then correct my settings from there to get a correct exposure. Is it the correct thing to do? I don’t know, but it works for me.
Here are my settings for the pictures I posted yesterday.
f4.0, 1/40, ISO 640
Flash bounced off the ceiling.
Same settings for this image, but I believe I used direct flash rather than bouncing it. Because B was in his car bouncing the flash wouldn’t have worked. He would have been underexposed
And actually this image has the same settings as well. Flash was bounced off the ceiling.
If you compare these to my natural light shots I think you’ll prefer the natural light. But, there are definitely circumstances when you need a flash. The 580 EXII runs around $450 (and it looks like there’s a $50 instant rebate on it until 1/16). Non pro Mom*togs may not need that. You can probably get away with a 430 EXII, which is only $280 (with a $30 instant rebate until 1/16). A huge savings! The main differences is that the 430 is smaller and lighter (that’s probably a good thing for nonpro Mom*togs!) and the 580 can produce 35% more power than the 430 (as a non-pro that probably won’t matter that much to you). The main difference for pros between the two is that the 430 can be triggered remotely, but cannot trigger other flashes. If you don’t know what that means then you won’t miss it 
I promise! I’m sure Nikon has flashes that are similar to Canons. I’m just not sure what they are. Sorry!
I hope that explains a little about flash to you! Not ready to invest in a flash quite yet? Borrow Lenses rents them! You know I’m a huge proponent of renting before you buy! You can rent the 430 EX for only $17 for 3 days. What a deal! And they have Nikon flashes too! Happy shooting!
About DrewB
I’ve started this blog as a way to connect with other moms who love photography. Whether you are a professional photographer who is looking for advice on how to manage your own business and your family or if you are a mom who is looking for tips on how to take better pictures of your kids, I hope that you can find some good information and be inspired!
Thank you! This was extremely helpful! And now I know what to ask for for Mother’s Day this spring
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.-= Jess´s last blog ..A dream fullfilled
I’ve just gone pro and have to admit that my two 430EX originals (not mark II) flashes coupled with the ST-E2 have done me well. I will be holding onto them even after I upgrade. One thing to note is that the 430EX originals will not play nicely with any pocket wizards because of their noisy radio signal, so if you plan on using them remotely with a radio transmitter (a must, also, at weddings) it might be best to go with the 430EX II or 580EX instead of finding (or renting) the 430EX originals (they are cheap these days!) OCF is a whole ‘nother playing field though, but it’s good to consider when initially making these investments.
.-= Jen Barnes´s last blog ..one little word =-.
I have an external flash that I am not a fan of. I don’t practice with it enough and it just frustrates me when I do need to use it. Maybe a new years resolution for me could be breaking it out more often and actually learn how to make it work right!
I have been looking to understand what settings need to be used when you use and external flash. Thank you so much for explaining it. Now I have somewhere to start. Thanks again.
You are brilliant!! Those are about the same settings that I use with flash indoors, but I never would have thought of the 4/4/4 thing. What a great way to remember it. Last winter, I decided it was time to learn my flash (since I had had it for 3+ years and was still not really comfortable with it.) It took lots of practice and some internet tutorials, but I feel much more comfortable with it now. Even figured out how to use it off the camera! Both can be triggered off camera. Practice is definitely the best teacher!!
P.S. Nikon’s comparable flashes are the SB900 (pro level version–replaced the SB800) and SB600. You could replace those names with the Canon versions above and the advice would work the same.
HUGE thank you for posting this!! I just got a SB-600 for Christmas and have only been able to figure out how to shoot in auto. I stayed up til midnight last night trying to figure out what settings would be best for manual and couldn’t figure it out. I’m going to go try this now. Thanks so much!!
Thank you Drew…I have the same flash and it Rocks! All your helpful tips are great. ? I went into your other Drew photo site and it was GONE
..what happened?
Thanks for that formula! I have a big flash but just don’t use it that often as I haven’t taken the time to experiment with it, I prefer natural light too.. but I have been getting too much blurry lately, as winter light often isn’t bright enough.. so I had better bust out the flash.
.-= Emmy´s last blog ..Photo Project 365 And an Award =-.
you’re so helpful! can’t wait to try out your formula! i don’t enjoy shooting with flash either, but once i get better at it i can complain less. i also experiment with my flash on manual but i am definitely not quick enough with that.
I have a SB800 and SB600. But in a crunch I use the on camera flash and grab a white piece of paper of an envelope and bounce my on camera flash off a wall or ceiling. Works great! Only problem is is that it sucks the batteries. But I use the trick on my point and shoot as well because the direct flash annoys me!
Thanks so much for the settings that is so helpful. I do have a question what mode do you leave the actual flash in? Thanks
I hate using a flash too, but this was a very useful & insightful post. thanks for sharing.
You are so awesome! I love your 4/4/4 formula! Thanks for sharing with us. And may I just add that I too cannot stand flash? And I honestly think it is b/c I know nothing about it! You make flash look good though!
.-= Bobbie Brown´s last blog ..Tyke, Courtney and Brooklyn =-.
Thanks so much for the great advice. I have been thinking about upgrading to an external flash (I am very much an amateur, so “external flash” to me is anything that didn’t come physically attached to the camera) because I am always so disappointed with the pictures I take with just the built-in flash. Thanks for keeping me informed – this will definitely help me make a decision!
I learn alt from your site, so maybe I can actually help you now! I have a Gary Fong Lightsphere and it has made a WORLD of a difference with shooting with flash. Seriously the BEST addition to my bag. I get made fun of for the “tupperware” on my flash, but my photos indoors have turned out so much more nicely and even lit. I actually now cannot just use a flash without some type of diffuser. Seriously a WORLD of a difference. Get one!
.-= Noel Kelley´s last blog ..Albums =-.
I learn a lot from your site, so maybe I can actually help you now! I have a Gary Fong Lightsphere and it has made a WORLD of a difference with shooting with flash. Seriously the BEST addition to my bag. I get made fun of for the “tupperware” on my flash, but my photos indoors have turned out so much more nicely and even lit. I actually now cannot just use a flash without some type of diffuser. Seriously a WORLD of a difference. Get one!
.-= Noel Kelley´s last blog ..Albums =-.
I had a diffuser but with shooting weddings I kept losing them. Honestly I didn’t see much of a difference at all but glad it works for you
The sphere is different than the plain diffuser. I 2nd shoot for weddings and it works really well in halls esp when you get a dark hall (or live in Michigan when sun sets at 4pm) and a random couple want their portrait taken. These photos: http://noelkelley.blogspot.com/2009/12/i-heart-faces-holiday-traditions.html where all taken with my sphere. Notice how it give a glow, but not directly at them. The sphere is just on my flash and my flash is pointed directly up.
.-= Noel Kelley´s last blog ..Albums =-.
Thanks for the useful info, I haven’t gotten to the point of buying a flash but it is next on my list so this SO helped!!!
Thanks for the info! I just got a Lightscoop! It’s fantastic and works by bouncing the pop-up flash…great for candids!
lightscoop.com
.-= Brandi´s last blog ..Detox =-.
thank you, thank you thank you. this formula was so helpful and I feel like I’m starting to get it when it comes to my flash. I hate to admit but I get all panicky and my nerves get all out of whack when it came time for the receptions or any indoor pictures because I just didn’t understand my flash or hated what it produced but with this formula it’s going to be so much better. Good-bye nervous sweats! haha! Thanks again Drew!
.-= Simone´s last blog ..These are a few of my favorite things =-.
This post sealed the deal on buying as speedlight, thanks! But I don’t understand how one decides what ISO to use. I have a D5000 it get gets pretty grainy at high ISO’s.
OMG Drew! You are my hero right now! lol. I’ve been following momtog for a while, but I have to admit, I always thought it was more for amateurs, and being a photog didn’t really expect to get much out of it. I just love seeing your party decorations and that cute little boy
. However, I have a family shoot coming up *today* and they live in a house that I know has crappy natural light! So I remembered seeing something about flash on here a while ago, and kind of breezed by it…so here I am frantically trying to track down the post…and you are a LIFESAVER! I have always been AWFUL with flash (exlusively natural light if I can at all help it!) and I tried your 4/4/4 rule and with a few adjustments I got it!! I’d been shooting with way too high of a shutter speed and wasn’t letting the ambient light in. The low shutter speed totally helped even it all out and I could just hug you! Thanks so much…and I promise to pay more attention from now on 
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.-= stacy k´s last blog ..20 months {Peoria, IL lifestyle photographer} =-.
Thank you for the information! What mode do you use your flash in, manual or ettl? Also, what output usually? Thank you!
Thank you! Loving the 4/4/4 rule.