Flash! The dreaded "M" - manual mode

I had the pleasure of attending a workshop presented by the Northern California Professional Photographers (ncpponline.org) on Thursday, June 14th. The subject of the workshop was "Amazing Light - Anytime, Anywhere" with Scott Robert Lim (www.scottrobertgallery.com). 

Mr. Lim gave a really informative presentation on the use of flash in any setting. He covered the "Inverse Square Law" and how it is used to calculate light fall-off and why, when you move a light source closer to a subject, the light is softer. Since I've been studying photography and lighting for some time now, I am familiar with this concept, but when you have the opportunity to see someone do a live demonstration your understanding becomes much deeper.

Mr. Lim is a proponent of using reflective and white umbrellas for any shoot needing a diffused flash and the importance of learning to use your flash in manual mode. As Mr. Lim explained, if a shot using flash is blown out and you are using the flash in the "auto" mode then no matter what adjustments you make to the camera's ISO, shutter speed or aperture, the flash will compensate and you will produce the same ill lit image. Having full control over your flash by learning how to use it in manual mode is the only way to produce quality images and to ensure you will be able to see your vision to it's fruition.

I recently had an experience that supports what Mr. Lim preaches. I am in the process of learning how to take studio portraits. I was using my 580EXII Speedlight in the TTL mode to light my subject and I was not happy with the results. I moved the Speedlight closer, not happy. I moved the Speedlight farther away, not happy. I shot through an umbrella, not happy. I shot into an umbrella, not happy. No matter what I did, the portrait I was trying to take did not have the right exposure. Finally, with no where else to go, I put the flash in the manual mode and opened the instruction book. I learned to changed the power and zoom settings manually. Lo and behold, I finally was able to get an acceptable portrait.

Understanding the manual mode power and zoom controls has really made a difference in my photos.

And then a surprise... My father-in-law is a big proponent of my photography work. He is a pretty good photographer in his own right. Well, he was at a garage sale and found a almost brand-new reflective studio lighting kit for me. The kit had barely been used. We set it up this weekend and it works great! He probably paid $5 for it. The kit is around 30 years old and the workmanship and stability shows it. This kit is solid! Everything is made of metal, no plastic parts here. So thank you Bob for the Fathers Day surprise!

I appreciate any comments below.