Expert: Don Wood - 8/7/2002

Question
If my on camera flash set to f5.6, what f-stops should I set my second flash to. How far do you position your flash away from the main light(on camera). Do you set it to Auto,manual or ttl for the second flash.

Do you have any experience with dual flash head? which one would you recommend ,a dual head flash or flash w/index card?

Answer
I may be old-fashioned but I prefer the simpler approach with a single hammerhead flash at the camera. Unless you are trying to get a portrait look to the picture you will find that the greatest majority of your shots will be able to be shot with the Metz 45 or 60. You need to have the flash elevated about 3-4 inches above the midpoint of the lens you're using. That way you avoid the dreaded "red-eye" effect. I have seen photogs use a second flash and it seems to me that using one would require an assistant to hold and aim the flash. A dual flash head would require twice the batteries, add to the weight and balance of the camera, whereas the single hammer head flash coupled with a Quantum battery pack provides plenty of power and light and has only one cord to connect to the camera. Yes, the Metz or similar are expensive but you will find like I did that the flash will last for a long time. I first bought my Metz in 1986 and it still is going strong in 2002 after 16 years. Visit my web site at http://www.geocities.com/photosbydon/lighting.html to investigate the various vendors of professional flash equipment. You need to stay away from the small flashes that attach to the flash shoe, you'll find that they put a lot of stress on the camera and are very apt to slip off at a critical time and either crash to the floor, or slip enough that the hot shoe contacts are not meeting and you're getting no flash. Besides, the built-in camera flash are more used by the casual photog not worrying about making money off his photography.
I have for the past 6 years used the 35mm camera with 400 speed film and haven't noticed any problems with grain. Very seldom will you get a person to request a large 20x32 wall hanging picture so the use of a larger camera such as a 2 1/4 x 2 3/4 seems to be rather overkill.
Hope I've helped. I alway caution newcomers to this business to either keep your day job until your business is able to support you or to have a significant other willing to support you.
Keep in touch, I'm always curious about the answers I give and whether they're helpful or not.
Don