Macro Flash - settings

[Jon]

I have recently been setting the camera to AV mode and using the flash in high speed sync mode at -1 stop. This works well but I have recently been trying different manual settings. This is simple and so far has produced some good results - even on dark and pale subjects. Oh another bonus - I have not even used a monopod or tripod either.

I placed the gun with Stofen Omnibounce diffuser on the hot shoe as usual ( a poor site but it works!) The flash gun is set to manual mode at 1/8 power and that is it! Simple as that - job done. The camera, as before, is set to AV mode and I usually select an aperture between f8 to f16 and ISO 100.
If you have a flash bracket and are able to place the gun a little nearer to the subject the results should be outstanding as the closer the gun is the more it will be an efectively massive single light source. I am soon going to buy a new macro lens and I will rotate the tripod collar and place the flash gun on that.
Have a go folks - let me know how you go on.

Jon