Strobing with a Flash-Gun

I found this interesting tutorial on flickr.com: Setting & Using the 580EX II Multi Strobe Function. I have adjusted the instructions slightly, modifying sentence structure and highlighting important words.

Read on below photograph for instructions showing how flash-strobing is possible with the Canon 580EX II. I look forward to trialling this shortly.

Setting up Camera

To do this you must run in full Manual (M) mode. This sample picture was 1/2 Second and F5.6. You will need to experiment with the F Stop. When using the Multi flash mode, you must have the shutter open for the duration of the series of flashes. You need your environment VERY dark, and a dark a background as possible.. This shot was quite marginal in that respect. Camera must be on a TriPod to keep it still for the long shutter time.

Setting up Flash-Gun

Turn on Canon 580EX II Flash-gun.
Press Mode twice until the screen says Multi.
Press Zoom on the flash, and adjust the Flash zoom to best match your lens. Use the wheel to adjust.
Press the button in the middle of the wheel. You will see the Power / Number / Frequency start to flash. Start with setting it to like 8HZ to get 8 flashes per second. This is adjusted with the wheel.
Press the button in the wheel a second time, and adjust the number of flashes you want to occur. With 1/2 Second you have time for 4 flashes. Use the wheel to again adjust this.
Press the button in the wheel a third time. Adjust the wheel to again set the power. The higher the power, the less flashes you may have in a row. Start with 1/32 to 1/8 power.
After that it is trial and error to get what you want. It is a fun effect to work to produce.

I’ve not yet tested this procedure, but will very shortly. I can see potential ideas and locations where this could at least be fun, if not interesting. If you give it ago, feel free to comment here with a link to your results!
Photograph by chart11610

Postscript:

If you are as fascinated about photography as I am, you’ll want to start reading these sites:
… Photopreneur. I have it on my RSS-reader and have started leaving lots of ‘thank-you’ comments! The articles are both information and interesting.
… Photoshelter. Although their free-plan is only 150mb, they are still a great site for reading and learning more about photography and all subjects related.