Tested my new flash meter...

I have not used it previously. It was so convenient to just test lights one by one, since I only relied on Nikon infrared with Nikon SB flash heads. But when I got this new ring flash from Alien Bees, I found that it's not very easy to work with in slave mode. To be straight, I haven't been able to make it work for me in the slave mode *LOL*. The flash goes off, the model sees it, even I see it, but with my camera kicking it off before SB heads (ring flash mounted on camera and camera flash as a master to work it), it apparently goes off before the camera shutter opens. That's what I came to after terrorizing it in various modes.

So, nothing to do, I went to the store, got the flash meter, another pocket wizard (PW) unit (I figured if I use all lights in manual mode with PWs, then I better have flash meter, because it's no longer going to be the same as adjusting all lights from the camera), and assembled my SB heads with ring flash in manual mode with PWs.

To test the flash meter I used these models:



Aren't they cute? :) They are garnet beads I used to make some of my jewelry.

There were two lights hitting them. One from under the table, I measured it and set properly according to the f/stop I wanted to use for a shot. Then I measured and set another light, by turning the flash meter towards it, keeping it near the subject. Worked like a charm.

I must admit, it wasn't that easy to figure out all the modes, even after reading the manual. They start with all the details on one mode (measuring ambient light), and then cut it short closer towards the end, so I had to really think what to do with the reflecting lights... basically figuring it all out using a good old method of scientific-poke-around.

SIGH. The hardest work is done, now I can say that I see why all the pros use it in their shoots :). Photos come out just perfect, no need to increase exposure or change anything in raw - very nice.

And today is the 1st official day of spring! If I stayed home, I'd talk my hubby into having fire in the evening, but I'm going to the city to see a friend, so that will have to wait till tomorrow.