Thread: Using a Speedlite

I need some help with my speedlite. Could y'all help me out? I got it in March, and I have no clue what I'm doing. I feel like all the pictures I take with it are dark. I've tried it in auto and manual, and I just don't "get it".

I guess I need some sort of tutorial. You know, the do's and don't's of using it.

What kind/brand of speedlight did you get?

I have the Canon 430EXII.

Can you post a sample picture including your setting?

I have the 580EXII and have used the speedlight on ETTL and manual.
I typically drag the shutter meaning I keep it below 1/100.

Here is a quick article about speedlight: http://photo.net/wedding-photography-forum/009NM4

Also, are you bouncing the flash on the ceiling, behind you?

Thanks for that article El!! I'm going to have to give it a go again after reading that.

Here's a photo from a few months ago, but it is a pretty good example of how they're turning out. Maybe it's not as bad as I thought? It was taken on auto though, so I didn't mess with the settings at all. This is SOOC.

Exposure 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture f/4.0
Focal Length 27 mm
ISO Speed 400

Open up your aperture that should solve your problem.