advice for external flash newbie

[jabber]

After years of relying only on natural light and fast lenses, I finally gave in and got myself an external flash (Canon 430 EX II). I also bought a Sto-fen Omnibounce diffuser and the Gary Fong Lightsphere II. If you have any nugget(s) of wisdom for someone brand new to the world of flash photography--things you wish you had known when you first started using an external flash--I'd love to hear them.

[Mad Aussie]

Yeh ... get used to using the manual mode as it gives you so much more control over the light!

[tirediron]

Buy LOTS of batteries and practice a LOT! It's amazing what you can do with a single speedlight with some knowledge and technique. As far as nuggets of information, I would have to say don't be afraid to use it. Even on bright, sunny days a flash can add to an image.

[jabber]

Thanks for the tips. Though I have been able to find somewhat advanced info about flash online, it's actually hard to find basic information (even in the manual). I suppose much of this will be answered by practice, but here are some of my immediate questions:

I almost always shoot in aperture priority mode. Do I continue to choose my aperture (and ISO) for a given scene in the same way I would without the flash, or does use of the flash change everything?

What happens to the 1/100 rule when using a flash?

I know I'm supposed to bounce the flash off a wall or ceiling if it's close and white; otherwise, should I always point the flash head directly at the subject?

The flash gives my a zoom readout (e.g. 50mm) when the head is pointed at the subject, but otherwise reads only -- mm. Is it functioning properly?

In what situations should I prefer the naked flash, the Sto-fen or the Lightsphere over one another? I've been assuming I will use some type of diffusion most of the time, unless it's simply not producing enough light for the setting (e.g., a poorly lit room).

I know that's a lot of questions, but I'm a lot confused. Any help is much appreciated.

[Mad Aussie]

I can answer a few of those questions but many depend on you and what effect you are looking for.

I mostly use my flash as fill light so I usually select my camera settings to suit the scene without the flash first. The idea is that I want the camera to see as much of the scene on it's own and the flash just light my subject as much as needed only.

Bouncing the flash etc is simply a preference you need to decide. I think the 430 has a card (they call it a catchlight card I think in the manual) that slips out of the head like my 580 which can be used to deflect the light as well. I often use that too. Angle the head away from the subject a bit and then card bounces it back to the subject giving a more subdued light.
But bounce off walls etc if it gives you the look you need. Only experiementing will tell you what you need to know there.

Haven't got time to go grab my flash and look right now but I think the Zoom readings work only in ETTL mode. As I use Manual alot I don't worry about them too much.

Remember that you ISO makes your sensor more sensitive to light so by using different ISO settings you can effectively increase and decrease the 'strength' of the flash to some degree depending on the scene and ambient light available.

That's about it from me for now ... I'm no expert so others will hopefully have more to say or correct me where I'm not accurate.

[jabber]

Thanks for your time, Mad Aussie. (FYI, the 430 doesn't come with a card, unfortunately.) Every little bit helps.