Help me understand why i may use a additional flash

[Tamster]

Hello! So obv i am new to this and would like to understand why and when i would you a addiotional flash other then the built in one on my camera?
If i'm being honest i was out on my lunchbreak and i bought one. Not an expensive one but I see everyone else with them so figured...... i must need one too.
Thanks~ Tammy

[JRBondy]

Hi,
Since you have gone ahead and purchased one already use it, and I'm sure the rusults will speak for themselves.

[CheaperKings]

It's so you can have additional lighting options. Use the on-camera flash and all your shots will look the same. Use off-camera lighting and you have unlimited options!

[Tamster]

Really, that simple huh? lol I bet that was a silly question for all the pros out there! I figured I would play with it tonight and see if I can tell what kind of difference it makes on different types of shots. :

[Tamster]

Thanks! I am anxious to get home and play around with it. We will see if i can figure out how to use it.

[zona5101]

You'll generally find that a separate flash unit will have more power (RR RR RRRG!)
This will allow you to a) increase you flash to subject distance, b) shoot as a higher f-stop or both.

[PowerPix]

Originally Posted by Tamster

Really, that simple huh?

Just as simple as taking a lunch break and purchasing a flash.

[Tamster]

LOL.... Yea I'm spontaneous like that..jk .People actually laugh at me at the random things I do on my lunch breaks. so one more hr and i will be trying this out and come back on here really feeling silly at how easy the whole matter was. Oh well....

[Jim Bryant]

The built in pop up flashes are a piece of crap. The external flashes are more versatile. You can dial down the flash output, set it off to the side and use a remote to trigger it and by using three or four, you got yourself a portable studio. Check out strobists.com or Joe McNally's Blog.

[CheaperKings]

Originally Posted by Tamster

so one more hr and i will be trying this out and come back on here really feeling silly at how easy the whole matter was. Oh well....

Well, there's a little more to it than that. I'd suggest getting it off the camera and onto a stand with a umbrella or softbox. Then, you'll need a remote trigger system to trigger the flash when the shutter release is pressed. Then, you'll have a whole new world to explore.