Manual Flash – Quick Reference
In this lesson, we take a brief look at switching your flash from TTL to Manual mode for complete control over your lighting. Here’s a concise outline of the process:
Switching to Manual Mode
Start by pressing the mode button on your flash trigger to switch from TTL to Manual (M). With Manual mode activated, your flash will fire at the exact power level you set—no automatic adjustments.
Establishing a Starting Point
For the gear I’m using in the demo, a good baseline for a one-light setup is 1/4 power, paired with camera settings of ISO 200, f/8, and a shutter speed of around 1/200 or 1/250 (depending on your sync speed). This starting point gives you a predictable output for your session.
Testing and Adjusting
Take a test shot and evaluate the exposure. If the image is a little dark, increase the flash power by a stop (e.g. 1/2 power). If it’s too bright, dial it down (e.g. 1/8 power). Keep adjusting until you achieve the desired result. When you’ve nailed the correct output power, the output remains consistent shot after shot, ensuring reliable results throughout your session.
Key Benefits of Manual Mode
Manual flash mode gives you precision and consistency, allowing you to know exactly what power your flash is outputting. This consistency is especially useful when lighting conditions are steady (which they usually are indoors)—just remember to adjust if you change the distance between your flash and your subject.
Use this quick reference as you experiment with Manual mode. If you’re more comfortable with TTL for now, that’s perfectly fine—manual mode is there for when you’re ready to take full control of your lighting.