A Safe way to use flash indoors

Safe way to use flash indoors, a photo by Mervin Chiang on Flickr.

I've done a series of event photography over the last month and in my research and testing I've found a few simple tips to remember when taking photos indoors using a flash gun (not the pop up stuff!)

So here is a list of random tips in no order. Some may not even relate to flash, but more to doing event photography:

- Gary Fong's Lightsphere collapsible actually does work!
- Lightsphere helps especially when there is no ceiling or wall to bounce the flash off of.
- Never aim flash directly at subjects. Worse case, use a diffuser
- Simplest method is to aim flash up when there is ceiling
- If no ceiling and no diffuser, use a poker card tied with rubber band. If even that is not available, aim flash at 45 deg forward.
- Use (M), Yes! Manual mode with the following settings...
- When using flash set speed at 1/160 to prevent shake unless that is your intention (to shake)
- When using flash set aperture to f/5.6 or f/8 for bigger groups
- When using flash ISO 400 is acceptable, ISO800 is better, ISO1250 is even better. Basically, more ISO = More background will be shown, but higher noise.
- Don't be afraid of "the noise". A good camera have good noise cancellation
- Depending on the distance you are standing to the subjects, you may need to adjust the flash bounce, increase or decrease the flash power by stops via ETTL controls
- Learn how to use FEL functions on your camera to get the right flash metering.
- Bounce card, diffuser, Lightsphere with or without cap and no modifiers all give a different style to the photo. Need to pick and decide on style you want.
- In conference or slightly better lit places, can try NO FLASH. Again, do not be afraid of higher ISOs.

OK, that's all the self-tip and reminder I can think of...

Gloomy few weeks...

Loves of my life, a photo by Mervin Chiang on Flickr.

WARNING: Philosophical and spiritually religious post ahead...

It's very sobering how God works and have reminded us as a family to cherish and be contented with what we have and never to take for granted the gift of life and the many little blessings we have.

I will be shooting at my very first funeral event tomorrow here in Brisbane. And never in a million years would I have imagined that the first funeral I attend here in Brisbane would be that of a 3 day old baby. Ben and Faith have grown really close to us as friends and Kat and I hold them very dear to our hearts. Our hearts and prayers go out to them as they work as a family to go through these trialling times.

A few days after the news we heard another sad news regarding cancer of someone Kat knows.

It's a reminder that our current life on earth is temporal and that we need to invest in the eternal and look to God for our salvation. Today's feature photo reminds me to be contented and happy to have my family and to cherish life with them. And to make sure I lead them towards the Cross... As much as I can.

The Flowing River

The Flowing River, a photo by Mervin Chiang on Flickr.

Just a simple illustration of a flowing river. Slow shutter handheld. I was too lazy to setup the tripod in this instance.

Full Gear On!

Full Gear On, a photo by Mervin Chiang on Flickr.

I think my set is complete and ready for action. I was putting everything to test mobility, weight and practicality...

- 7D with 17-55mm - Check!
- 7D mounted with 580EX II connected to battery pack - Check!
- Lightsphere - Check!
- 28mm in "hot-swappable" bag - Check
- 40D with 70-200mm - Check!
- 40D mounted with 430EX - Check!
- I look scary... - Check!

Will be fun to put all this into practice though... Kinda like in the Singapore army with all my gear on ready for those simulated battles in the jungle :P

OK, I'll stop sounding and looking weird now...

A Timely Reminder...

LOTR - Mikaela Ern Chiang, a photo by Mervin Chiang on Flickr.

I heard this on the radio it struck a nerve. Not that I am exactly guilty of this entirely.. yet.. but still a good reminder. So here is the way the parable goes...

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A little girl greeted her daddy as he entered the door late one night and excitedly asked, "How much do you earn earn an hour daddy?" Getting slightly annoyed and after having a long day, daddy replied, "not now honey. Not even your mum knows how much I earn an hour. Go play." The little girl persisted. "Daddy, can you please tell me how much you earn an hour?" Feeling really frustrated and just wanted to go get a shower, he replied, "$20 an hour. Why do you want to know?" Ignoring the question, she asked, "Can I borrow $10 please?" Getting really mad by now, he remanded, "NO! Go play with your toys, I have no time for this." and left to the bathroom.

Later that night, having calmed down and feeling a little guilty. Daddy thought to himself, "maybe she is trying to work out if I can give her the money to buy something..." So he decided to go to her room hoping she's still not asleep and asked, "Mikaela, are you asleep yet?" To which the little girl sleepily replied, "almost..." "Here's your $10 you asked for." She immediately sprung up took the money and reached under her pillow and grabbed what looked like a mountain of coins and said, "I have enough now! Daddy, can you sell me 1 hour of your time please?"
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This story is fictitious, but I am reminded once again to guard myself from this. Between work, photographer, iPhone-time, gardening, social meetings and even church activities! We must not lose ourselves in this sea of activities and forget the simple things like spending dedicated time with our kids. I am guilty of this on several occasions already...

The Gary Fong Lightsphere Test

The Gary Fong Lightsphere Test, a photo by Mervin Chiang on Flickr.

Got the Gary Fong Lightsphere diffuser attachment for my flash. I'm going to borrow someone's comment on the fact that the thing is a "vanity bulb" as the ice breaker to taking photos :)

You should see the thing! Google it and you'll see... It's huge and really like a light bulb! Anyway...

From the left - My el cheapo $2 cloth looking sock diffuser

Middle - No diffuser, light bounced from the ceiling

On the right - Gary Fong's vanity light bulb...

I like the right one the best. What do you think?

Timeless Classic of Love, originally uploaded by Mervin Chiang.

I took this photo quite a while back when we had friends over for a holiday and we all went down to the coast for a morning breakfast before heading out to the beach.

At this awesome breakfast place out the back room was this really big clock and the decoration of the place was a photographer's haven! Full of texture and character. To top it off, I saw this loving couple having breakfast just in front of the clock. I couldn't resist my urges and asked if they would like to be photographed. A quick pose and a few clicks later... I got the picture out of my head and into the digital world!

I feel this really represented the timeless language of love. I wish to grow old and have still nice Saturday breakfasts with Kat. Hope you enjoy this photo as much as I did!

Side note: My Flickr to Blogger posting link is not working anymore... WHY? :-((