Natural Light vs. Studio

[graciousness]

Yeah, you'll need that remote trigger to use with the 430 ex flash if you want to take it off camera. Although I don't know what camera you use and it has function to trigger it off wirelessly.

I bought a kit which included a convertible shoot-through umbrella with removable black backing, light stand and adaptor for really cheap (build was really well made, though!) and I think for a start, ,you should get this. Easy to get off ebay and it doesn't have to be expensive stuff, either. You'll find a basic kit for less than $100, even around $50 there in the US will be easy to find.

Funnily enough, I never used my reflector? It's just too hard doing it by yourself when you're following children around. Not convenient. The camera as fill flash outdoors, however (on camera) helps so much and makes manual mode much easier to use when you have tricky light situations (too much bright and too much dark shade combination with dappled light, etc).

First off is bounce your light from your flash indoors as first exercise. That alone makes a huge difference.

[rachb]

Grace- I have a T3i, so I have been playing around with triggering the flash wirelessly. I have been bouncing the flash, but it's been more of a "let's bounce and see what happens" and less of a calculated, deliberate thing. Would this be a good kit to start with? I'm weary of buying cheap and having to replace relatively quickly.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...DSC3KS8S5B7YRN

Or should I just wait a bit and buy the one with the backdrop and everything?

[Tzetsin]

Originally Posted by rachb

Grace- I have a T3i, so I have been playing around with triggering the flash wirelessly.

The IR remote trigger system does "work" until there is a lot of IR noise around. Such as sunlight... Yes, I'm saying your remote flash using the t3i to trigger wont work reliably outside on a sunny day.

You NEED to get remote "radio" triggers. they have a much longer distance, and can be used indoors or outdoors with the same reliability.

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by rachb

I'm weary of buying cheap and having to replace relatively quickly.

Amazon.com: Cowboystudio 4 Piece Continuous Photography /Video Studio Digital Lighting Kit with Umbrellas and Background Lights: Camera & Photo

Or should I just wait a bit and buy the one with the backdrop and everything?

I think you'll do better off adding a wireless trigger to your 430ex and getting an umbrella and light stand than buying that kit in your link. It's basically 4 light bulbs! And for 70usd, how good can it really be?
For example, in the below photos I used one 430ex flash and a 30usd large white shoot through umbrella (bought on ebay) on two of the shots, and the bare flash on the top right one. Nothing else. I really don't know if you can get the same with this "continuous" light set, but I somehow doubt it..

Yeah, it'll get you started on understanding flash (oops it's not a flash) lighting and get you going, but as soon as you get a bit comfy with it, you'll see that you'll really want something more powerful very soon which is what you're trying to avoid, right? Plus, unless you bring power with you, you can't use these outdoors.

Even the reviews of it say it's very weak powered.

Honestly, I think you've already gotten the best advice for your situation. Get a wireless system (gadgetinfinity v5 for a set of two =60usd I think) and start practicing with that and your 430.. then you'll see whether you need more flashes or simply one more powerful one.

Look at the magic Zack Arias can do with One Light.

Good luck.

..........

[private]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

You need to be well rounded and master both kinds of light. It's not always beautiful outside when someone wants their portrait taken.

Jim! I am agreeing with you! LOL