Learn to use flash by the weekend?

The Gary Fong Lightsphere is a suitable 'globe' type diffuser .. It sends most light up to bounce, but a smaller amount will project forwards through the sphere to provide a little fill-type light and subtle catchlights. The top can be removed also for high ceilings if more power is needed for the bounce.

Just a further point about P-TTL ... With the Pentax flashes we do have off-camera P-TTL in wireless mode, as well as full manual . So you can use a stand and trigger from the camera via the pop-up. This can also be used for a small amount of forward fill and catchlight.

Hi Patrick. How did you get on at the weekend? Was any of our advice of any use to you? Which flash did you use? AND, are you going to let us see some of your photos?.
CHEERS Vic.

Hi Vic,
I meant to post an update, cheers for reminding me.

The lens worked very well! It really helped light out the subjects (people)
I kept shutter speed under 1/180, ISO up at about 600 or 800 and used P-TTL on the AF540-FGZ flash.
I set flash compensation to -0.5 (Matt recommended -0.3 to -0.7, 0.5 was the only one available.)
I couldn't get my hands on a diffuser in time, pointed flash to the ceiling or at least at a 120/150 degree angle.
I didn't shoot RAW, never have (shock horror) as I use Picassa for post processing (double shock horror!)
I did find that everything ended up in focus, even shooting at f2.8. I'm guessing this is normal as the flash lights it up?
Before posting I was 'scared' of flash, people saying it's a massive thing to learn. But, in P-TTL mode it worked very well, didn't have to think about it much at all.
At some stage I'll spend time to learn to use one fully.

Not sure if I'm meant to post up photos as the subject are kids/minors. I'm awaiting an official reply on that, will post if I can.
Cheers,
Patrick.

Here's two examples of the flash working well. As I said I can't post up photos of the minors so these will have to do as examples.

Glad to hear the event went well and that your flashgun and settings performed well. You certainly have achieved nice bright and clear images, so the bouncing has been very effective. Good job!

I notice that the bouncing light from the ceiling lights up their heads just like mine! CHEERS Vic.

Great results Pa! I love it when flash shots come out well.