Avoiding the 'black hole' effect?

[nikonnewbie]

Hi guys, what is the best way to avoid the black hole effect when taking candid shots of people in an indoor environment under dim lighting conditions?

Im using D80 with a sigma flash (side question: the flash was given to me but im thinking of buying an SB600, good idea?)

[Galdor]

What 'black hole' effect? Any pictures to show?

[cky1504]

hahaha. u mean vignetting izzt?

[blazer_workz]

'Black hole' effect??

astrography?

[Redsun]

lol should be the vignetting
does look like black hole if there's too much vignetting

[nikonnewbie]

Sorry...'black hole effect' as in having a well-light foreground wtih an almost completely black background. I got that term from an american photography forum!

[blazer_workz]

Originally Posted by nikonnewbie Sorry...'black hole effect' as in having a well-light foreground wtih an almost completely black background. I got that term from an american photography forum!

still not clear...got links or sample pics?

[cantaresg]

Use a slow sync flash. Expose for the background and use a 2nd curtain flash.

[zoossh]

Originally Posted by blazer_workz still not clear...got links or sample pics?

i think he means in a very dark environment, a short range flash light up the person in close distance sufficient to complete an exposure but the background is not lit.

[nikonnewbie]

Originally Posted by cantaresg Use a slow sync flash. Expose for the background and use a 2nd curtain flash.

Oh ok thanks! ill give it a shot

[blazer_workz]

Originally Posted by zoossh i think he means in a very dark environment, a short range flash light up the person in close distance sufficient to complete an exposure but the background is not lit.

oh ok..haha so they have a name for this..

camera can be complex..u have to noe ur fundamentals well..and thru' many trial and errors of playing with the setting to achieve ur desired results..if shooting photo is easy, u won't see so many still willing to pay big money to hire photographers for wedding, event and commercial..

slow sync is the way to go..good luck!

[kelccm]

If you are doing slow sync flash during low lights, don't forget to mount your camera on a stable support like a tripod to prevent blurred shots.

[cky1504]

okay i understand what u talking about also le. buying a sb600 wouldn't solve your problem. still had that kind of problem with sb600. solution as above use a slow sync or got many flashes which not many people would, can use commander mode and have 1 flash to light up the backgroud

[Dream Merchant]

If the BG or surrounding area is really very dark, no amount of slow sync is going to help. Get or use a supplement source of light - turn up room lights and slo sync, add continuous light units and slo sync or use aditional flash units placed at different areas of the room.

[zoossh]

Originally Posted by Dream Merchant If the BG or surrounding area is really very dark, no amount of slow sync is going to help. Get or use a supplement source of light - turn up room lights and slo sync, add continuous light units and slo sync or use aditional flash units placed at different areas of the room.

is multiple light source (continuous or spot) the only true solution to such effects?

[Dream Merchant]

Originally Posted by zoossh is multiple light source (continuous or spot) the only true solution to such effects?

Probably not, but I'm sure those more experienced could think of efficient and reliable ways around the problem.

What would you suggest zoozzh?

[zoossh]

Originally Posted by Dream Merchant What would you suggest zoozzh?

nothing to suggest. i'm one of those no experience ones.

i'm interested in knowing because i have probably would not utilise multiple light sources as i'm pretty amateur.

[Dream Merchant]

From your previous writings, I would hardly call you inexperienced!

Now, common, what secrets do you have up your sleeve?

[zoossh]

i haven't been shooting with flash till lately i tried infrequently not to too much satisfaction.

frank speaking when i first started with my DSLR (scene/auto mode) and didn't know why the build in flash keep popping up, i used a sticky tape to tape it down. which moron did the same thing like me before, i'm wondering?

[blazer_workz]

Originally Posted by zoossh i haven't been shooting with flash.

haha..teach him ur photoshop ways lor..