Note: Photo tips are answers to questions asked on our Facebook page. If you would like to submit a question, please click here to submit your question. We will then post them on our Facebook page and let our fans respond to the question. We will then transfer the question over to our blog so we can keep them in an organized way for others to see.
Question from Beth: “I’d like to post a question for all to respond to, not sure how to do so…my name is Beth…I have shot a few weddings and have trouble with my flash. I have a nikon D7000 and an SB910 speedlight. My flash only fires approx every other time when I am trying to shoot the bridal party and/or bride and groom walking in, etc. ….are there settings to sync it so it flashes all the time? I have my camera set on continuous shooting.”
Matt: Are you shooting with the flash on or off camera?
Brian: Also, are you using fresh batteries? I usually carry 3-4 sets of batteries and once my flash starts missing shots i swap; it usually means that the batteries are depleted enough so that it can recycle the capacitors in the flash fast enough.
Ashleigh: I have the d7000 too. Try to change your shooting setting to single. This will also cut down on how many images you have so your not overwhelmed when edited and picking the best photos.
Ashleigh: Yes take plenty of extra batteries. I use the rechargeable kind.
Matt: Could be several issues, if you’re shooting in bursts, the flash needs a moment to recharge before it can fire again. To minimize recharge time, use NiMH batteries. They tend to let the flash recharge quicker than alkaline or lithium. Plus theyre rechargeable. Bring extras to your shoots though, their life is notably shorter than other battery types.
Ashleigh: By changing the setting to single it will have enough time to catch up and should fire everytime except when batteries are dying.
Colleen: depending upon how much ‘juice’ you are using and how new your batteries are, it takes time for it to be ready to fire again. I usually count to 4 slowly if it’s really low-light. otherwise, you might need to buy an external battery pack if you want quicker recycle time. also, be sure you are not firing at a higher shutter speed than the top sync speed it allows (probably 200)
Bob: It depends on how fresh your batteries are and what power you’re firing the flash. The more you’ve used your batteries, the longer they’ll take to recycle. Also, make sure you’re using good quality batteries. Finally, if you’re firing your flash at full power, it will take time to recycle no matter the status of your batteries. I usually try to use my flash at half power or less because of this.
Tiffany: It sounds like your flash doesn’t have enough time to recycle between shots. Use a external battery pack or lower your flash setting and open up your aperture to lower the recycle time. Also the SB910 tends to lose power if it starts to overheat due to high use.
Rebecca: You have to allow for flash recycle time, and since I don’t know Nikon gear I can’t say that that is what the problem is, but it’s something to look into!
Chris: Never never never ever put your camera on continuous for weddings . That’s your problem
Steve: your flash will not cope with continuous shooting,saying that,on full battery charge,you should get at least one shot per 1-3 seconds
Bill: needs to re- charge
Feel free to keep responding to this question using our comment section below.