Lighting with flash

[23pixels]

Hey guys, I was wondering if someone would give me some pointers on using remote flash to light up an area. I have a Canon 430EX and was thinking about putting it on a stand with an umbrella but I do not know what exactly I'm looking for. I did a few google searches but I'm kind of lost.

So there is a stand, do I need an adapter to for the stand to attach the flash?
And an umbrella.
I've done some research on Pocket Wizards but they are sort of pricey. What do you guys suggest? Thanks in advance.

[mdwsta4]

strobist.blogspot.com

it's an entire website dedicated to off-camera lighting.

that said, for equipment i would refer to you mpex who strobist also refers people too. i, personally, have an 8' air-cushioned stand, umbrella/hotshoe bracket, and white w/ removable black backing 43" umbrella (think all that costs about $70).
pocket wizards are pricey, but they're worth it. there's a reason just about every pro uses them. for a cheaper solution, search for gadgetinfinity on ebay and look at the V2 triggers. i had the V1's which made my 430ex misfire like crazy. i now have the V2's and they work perfectly with both my canon and nikon flashes. yeah, they're poor quality, but for the cost, they get the job done!

as far as specific lighting questions, again, i'd go to strobist or else post a specific question on what you're trying to light and how you're trying to light it.

[23pixels]

Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it. Did you buy your equipment off of a major retailer like adorama? I guess I will go for the Pocket Wizards because I am looking to do this pretty seriously and will end up using it for future equipment I purchase. Thanks again.

[mdwsta4]

which equipment? as mentioned, i bought my stands and all that from mpex.
i bought my canon flash from B&H last year, the nikon from ebay a few months back, and have two sets of the ebay triggers. i have two different types of DIY diffusers, a DIY grid, DIY snoot, free gels from lee, and uh.... i dont know, i think that could just about cover it.

if you have the money, then PW is the way to go. while i use off camera flash a lot more now, i still can't justify the price for them. Mpex is currently running a sale on them BTW. i need to start getting commission from them! geez, i've been referring lots of people to them on a number of forums!

[mdwsta4]

from strobist on friday:
"And lastly, the Pocket Wizard Plus II's are on sale for just a few more days. If you snooze, you lose. He cannot extend it when it is over. Just remember, you have to add it to the cart to drop the price from $186 to $169."

http://mpex.com/ItemDetail.aspx?SKUID=10999&SKU=0893577001019&SN=0000&Q=False

[23pixels]

Thanks Matt. I'm actually going to put in an order for a stand, umbrella, swivel and 2 Pocket Wizards Plus II's. YIKES

[mdwsta4]

No problem. be sure to post pics once you play with it all!