Tips For Using The MPS Sticky Fill Flash Correction Filters:

 

  • Professional Photography 101 -  Always use a flash!  Even when you are outdoors in full sun!  (Which, by the way, is one place you wouldn't need Sticky Filters!)

 

  • When in doubt about what type of fluorescent bulbs, sodium vapor, or metal halide lamps are used, choose the "Unknown Fluorescent" filter.

 

  • Take advantage of the modern D-SLR camera's ability to handle high ISOs by setting an ISO in the 400 - 800 range.  This will more closely match the scene to what your eye sees. Although results are improved at all  ISO settings, best results are achieved at higher ISOs simply because it allows the background to have more exposure in relation to the flash.  Generally speaking, the lower you set your ISO, the more fill flash effect you will have, resulting in darker backgrounds (and shorter battery life).

 

  • For those of you who use the Omni Bounce or similar product, as useful a product as the OB is, you will quickly discover that you can leave that device in your camera bag.  When Sticky Filters are used at high ISOs, the effect is better than when using one of these devises.  Try it!  You will see!  And you will gain a full f/stop or more of power back from your flash! That means twice the battery life!

 

  • (A word of caution!)  Most older point-&-shoot type digital cameras require a custom white balance be set in order to use Sticky Filters effectively when shooting in .jpg mode.  On the other hand, most SLR type digital cameras will allow you to set your white balance to one of the factory pre-set white balance settings.  Test your camera for proper setting prior to important shooting assignments.  For best results pre-set a new custom white balance.

 

  • Be observant about indoor scenes that are illuminated by natural daylight shining in through large windows or skylights.  These situations may dictate that no filter is to be used at all!

 

  • All of the MPS Sticky Filters incorporate a wide angle diffusion feature.  This eliminates the need for additional accessories for wide angle coverage of the flash.

 

  • If you only need 1/2 of the value of one of the filters, simply cover only 1/2 of the flash reflector with the filter, leaving the other 1/2 as bare flash.  This works best if you are bouncing the flash off of a suitable reflective surface.  DO NOT STACK THE FILTERS ON TOP OF EACH OTHER!

 

  • Don't leave the Sticky Filter attached to the flash for extended periods like over the weekend or leave it attached to the flash while in a hot car.  This could make it more difficult to remove and possible damage to the filter could result.  It could also possibly leave a slight sticky residue on your flash or camera.  If this happens, just rub it of with your finger.

 

  • MPS Sticky Fill Flash Correction Filters are designed for on-camera type strobes and not for tungsten/halogen type "hot lights".  Hot lights are exactly that - HOT!  Sticky Filters can be melted if placed over this type of light because of the tremendous heat generated from the lamp.  Please use only as suggested.  For the same reason, don't place them over any flash that uses a modeling lamp!  Melting will occur!  Sticky Filters will not harm your standard on-camera strobe.

 

  • As tempting as it may be, don't stick the filters on your clothing to store them while not in use out on a photo assignment.  They make real good lint brushes and this shortens their useful life greatly.

 

  • Don't attempt to clean the Sticky filters with petroleum based solvents as permanent damage will result.

 

  • To use the MPS Sticky Filter system with film cameras, you must use a filter over the lens of the camera that is the complementary color (opposite) of the Sticky filter in use.  But why would you want to use a film camera anyway?

 

  • Most digital cameras don't accurately record correct white balance when used with their white balance pre-sets.  This means that you may need to tweak your color a bit if you are printing yourself.  (This is true even if you are not using Sticky Filters).  For best results, set a custom white balance using flash with the Sticky Filter in place.  If you are are using a 1-hour or professional printing service, request that they make the color corrections for you.  Most will not unless asked to do so.

 

  • If you like to shoot in RAW mode, there is no need to pre-set your white balance as this can be done in image post-processing using your RAW image data processing software.  Of course, this takes much more time in front of the computer - something Sticky Filters are designed to minimize.

 

  • Since slight variations in lamp design and color out-put exist in the light bulb industry, exact color matching of some light sources may be impossible.  Using the MPS Sticky Filters will still give you more accurate colors than if you don't use them at all.

 

  • When the Sticky Filters are not in use, re-stick them to the backing material they came on and return them to the protective case.  Insure that the backing material is clean before re-applying the filter to it.

 

  • During a photo shoot, I will often times have one filter stuck in position over the flash reflector and a different color filter stuck to the side of the flash waiting for the lighting situation to change so I can quickly switch between the two filters.

 

  • Sticky Filters, like all flash modifiers and flash gels, reduce the amount of light from your flash unit.  But, only between -1 to -1.3 f/stops (compare this to the -2.5 stop loss of other products).  If you use your flash in auto exposure mode, the only negative effect you will notice is a decreased maximum flash distance.  But, if used as suggested with high ISOs, this small light loss is not as important anymore.