Starting flash unit for portraiture?

[Vrinda]

I've never been a flash user and have decided I'd rather this be by choice rather than just not knowing where to begin. I'd like to begin experimenting with it for my portraiture.. the thing is, I really don't know where to begin. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by everything there is out there and the many types and price ranges.

What I'd like is something portable to carry around with my kit, something I can use to fill in shadows and use when the lighting isn't strong enough. Is being able to use the flash off-camera something that most can do? Or... oh, I don't know what else to say apart from..... help?!

Thanks in advance,

Vrinda

[jml79]

There are many options and schools of thought. Knowing what you already have would help. For your particular needs a good flash that is the same make as your camera but also allows off camera use would give you the widest range of options like ttl fill for daylight or bounce for indoors and mounted with a cheap umbrella for learning portrait work. Unfortunately this is also likely one of the most expensive flashes to buy. But usually they last and can become part of a larger system later.

And yes, most decent flashes can be used off camera in some way or another. If you are a sony user I can give you details of the system. If you shoot something else I am sure there are people here who have used it.

[Vrinda]

Thank you for your response! Ah yes, I forgot to mention what I'm working with. My camera is a Canon 550d, with only basic lenses (kit lens and nifty fifty) until I replace my recently stolen kit. I have nothing whatsoever for lighting, unless you count the £2 flash I picked up in a charity shop (it lights up at least!) and a reflector.

Would a Speedlite be the best way to go? Or is there a better option? If Speedlite, is it worth the extra, when starting off, to go for the 580EX instead of the 430EX? I'd prefer to have something I can continue to work with, rather than wishing for an upgrade a year from now, but I don't want to spend a fortune on something if I'll only end up using it from time to time...

Thanks for bearing with my confusion!

Speedlights would give you the most compact/portable option. Probably the cheapest as well. There are MANY options for lighting and speedlight portraiture. (And a few good books on it too!)

Metz, Sigma and others make very good flashes for Canon. You can usually get these for half the price of the name-brand counter-part. On EBay, you can pick up a cheap lightstand and umbrella kit along with a remote trigger set that would allow you a lot of flexability. You could probably pick up all three items for about $300-350 US. ( You should be able to find similar deals in the UK)

Google "strobist" for insane folks dealing with off-camera flash.

[jml79]

Inkista just responded with a great write up in another similar thread about exectly this question.

[AdrenoJunkie]

I'll tell you the same thing told to me: If you can afford the 580EXII then get that. With the 430 you will reach it's limitations and be ready to upgrade. The 580 is the best out as far as speedlites for Cannon. I absolutely love mine and I've only just began to utilize it's potential. If you want something that will last and that you will grow into instead of outgrow then go with the 580EXII. Disclaimer: This only the opinion of an amateur so disregard at your discretion.