Flash Value Lock?

One of my kids is a blinker when using TTL flash. Is there flash value lock functionality that I can utilise or am I limited to manual flash only (no preflash) to get a shot of him with his eyes open.

(p.s. I'm using onboard and a Sigma 530DG super)

If he truly can out-blink the flash, as my wife can, there's probably no sure fire solution. Latest theory is that these people are gifted with the ability to close their eyes much faster than you or I. Not clear whether it is muscle strength or response time or both or something else.

Don't think he'll grow out of it either.

I hope its the preflash which sets him off (haven't tried manual). I suppose I should be impressed if he's too fast for it

I think you mean P-TTL, so just switch to manual. It isn't as difficult to use as some people might have you believe

If you're using a flashgun try bouncing it upwards and sideways - this will lengthen the time between the preflash & main flash and might affect the blinking a bit.

I was amazed recently using a new device with the camera pop-up flash - its a silver panel that attaches to the hotshoe with the flash head raised, angled upwards at about 40 deg it bounces the light upwards but allowing some catchlight forwards through some slats. Its very effective actually, but you need to work in full manual I find - anyway, it massively increased the time between pre-flash and main flash in certain dimmer lighting, nearly half a second for some shots!

Probably because you've completely discharged the flash and it needs to recycle

I did a wedding for some good friends of ours - she out blinked all pre-flash! I used "A" mode outdoors and "M" indoors

Matt

No, thats wrong, it was definitely pre-flash - what I was experiencing occurred even when the camera had been off. I was using manual 'catch-in-focus', and as I turned the focus ring, when the centre red point illuminated there was a slight electrical sound and the pre-flash fired, but the viewfinder remained open, then the delay as I said before the flash fired and the shot was taken.

Not sure if this is correct behavior, but I am guessing it was caused by the unusual bouncing arrangement.