The Digital Photo Guy

Keeping Up With the Joneses (aka Nikon)

I’ve never been one to fret over features in other cameras but there was one Nikon dSLR feature that caused me a ”Jimmy Carter moment” (I’ve looked on other cameras with lust). Commander Mode, available as far down the Nikon product line as the D70, is an integrated wireless flash controller. This feature allows the dSLR to wirelessly control a compatible, off-camera flash. Canon, on the other hand, has never previously implemented this feature. Canon shooters needed a Canon ST-E2, a $230 gizmo, an extra Canon 580EX II flash for $445 or 3rd party wireless remotes.

Well, citizens, I’m here to tell you that Canon has finally seen the light (Get it? “seen the light” har-har) and added an integrated wireless flash controller to the 7D. So, what’s the big deal you ask? Well, step right up and read today’s article to learn all the cool stuff that this one feature brings to the table.

The illustration above (courtesy Canon) shows one cool application for this feature. In this scenario, the pop-up flash on the 7D can be enabled or disabled depending on what you’re trying to do. If disabled, only the three external flashes are fired by the wireless flash controller. If you want a little extra front fill on the subject, the pop-up flash can be enabled.
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International Gourd Festival

Say what? A gourd festival? Yep, you read that right. I attended the 14th Annual International Gourd Festival this weekend. You’re all probably green with envy.

Held in De Luz, CA, a tiny wide spot on the road between Fallbrook and Temecula, CA, the gourd festival is on the grounds of Welburn Farms, the largest US gourd producer. I first heard of this event 10 years ago and always thought I should check it out. This year, I finally got a “round tuit”.
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Quick Fill Flash Tip

While I was at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo, I used the opportunity to make some photos for teaching purposes. Here’s an example of why you want to always be thinking about fill flash.

This old AT&SF (Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe) caboose had been moved so I decided to try a new angle. Unfortunately, the sun was ahead and slightly camera right (notice the shadows). This caused lens flare (spots near bottom of door) in the first photo. I set up my Canon 550EX with a Paul C. Buff CyberSync Remote Trigger to add some fill flash. After a few trials, I got the middle photo which is evenly lit. Had I been more serious about this shot, I would have popped a second flash under the trucks to light up the underside.

The last photo is after I toned down the middle photo in Photoshop Elements. Bottom line, fill flash lit the dark areas and reduced lens flare in one swell foop. The ability to move the flash around until the lighting is even is another great reason for an external flash instead of the integrated pop-up doo-hickey. Click to read more

Mastering Canon EOS Flash Photography by NK Guy

Long time readers know PhotoNotes.org has been my go-to site for all things Canon flash. Now, NK Guy, the publisher of PhotoNotes.org has condensed all that information into a 420 page, 8″x10″ softcover book profusely illustrated with photos that show not only good results but also what happens when you mess up.This will be an outstanding addition to any Canon shooter’s library. If you’re a total, complete and absolute newbie, immediately read pages 1-35. Next, read pages 52 to 65. If you are a dweeb, dork, geek, jump in at page 68 and your heart will flutter with happiness through page 116. Between pages 120 to 269, the author covers flash units and accessories interspersed with tips & techniques on how to use them, the pros & cons of each and special situations that require special tools.

To be perfectly clear, the emphasis of this book is on the technical aspects with techniques and tips intertwined. But, I can guarantee, if you read, study and understand this book, you are well on your way to becoming a flash guru.

I bought my copy at Amazon which has the lowest price. You can find a list of on-line book sellers who carry this book on NK Guy’s site.

Why a Manual Flash is Good for You

Last week, we reviewed the LumoPro 120 and showed how it stacked up against Canon dedicated flashes. Today, we’ll cover some flash basics and show why a manual flash is a good tool for learning flash techniques other than just saving money.

When you use ETTL (Canon) or iTTL (Nikon) or any other automatic flash system, the flash and camera communicate to make all the decisions for you. This is fine for most snapshots where people accept the harsh, flat, deer-in-the-headlights look of straight-on flash. But, when you want to step up your flash photography, manual control of a  remote flash is a much better.

Here’s an example of a remote flash at work. I placed the flash on the seat of the car and fired it with a remote. Without the remote, it would have just been another antique car photo.

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