How to use single external flash effectively?

[kuul13]

I bought Sigma EF-530 DG Super few months or may be an year back and I am wondering what the hell am I doing with it? I haven't used it at all - so bad of me. May be because, I was never able to find a good resource on "how to use single external flash" to get some stunning pictures. I want to know if anyone can point me to a site or example on how can I setup single flash and get some good pictures of people, product or anything. I need some kich start on using this thing.

Appreciate you help.

[Rentham]

60" umbrella, 45 degrees to the left, angled down 45 degrees, eyes to the light.

[Sweetlifephoto]

For on camera, it is really about practicing with the flash and your settings - especially learning to use indirect lighting by bouncing up, behind, left or right ( sometimes called foofing) and using reflectors and modifiers.

First start by reading the manual and making sure you understand the capabilities of the flash. For all things flash check out the strobist, most of his stuff is about using off-camera flash. This article is a great starting point have fun...

Google terms like how to bounce a flash and you will get tons of tips you can start trying.

[graciousness]

Go to youtube and search for bounce flash and flash techniques. There are heaps of tutorials there that really helped me.

Also, I love this site and Neil rocks with his tutorials - so easy to understand and I love the way he approaches his work.

http://neilvn.com/tangents/index/flash-photography/

You won't believe how much your work will improve by simply doing simple bounce techniques with your flash. Opens up a new world....

[inkista]

+1 on Neil van Niekerk's Tangents website. If you prefer a book, the "Flash Photography Techniques" section has also been published as a book.

Definitely get on-camera flash under your belt before going Strobist. It'll make everything a lot easier to learn. I tend to say that Tangents is the blue pill while Strobist is the red pill.

And before you go with flash at all, be very comfortable shooting in full Manual mode. Ambient exposure is controlled by iso, aperture, and shutter speed. Flash exposure is controlled by iso, aperture, flash-to-subject distance, and flash power output. And flash photography generally means knowing how to balance the two types of exposure against each other. Usually while staying at or under your max. sync speed.

Just trust me when I say, if you can't shoot with confidence in M mode yet, hold off on flash until you are. It shouldn't take long.

[Rentham]

You guys expect him to read all that shit?

[inkista]

Dude, that's what Instapaper's for.

[Zeke Menuar]

I discovered the wonderful world of fill flash fairly quickly. Now my flash is rarely off my camera.

[prince]

Originally Posted by Rentham

60" umbrella, 45 degrees to the left, angled down 45 degrees, eyes to the light.

+1. Perfect starting point

Originally Posted by Rentham

You guys expect him to read all that shit?

Yes , but not in one day and surely not everything before even touching the flash

Another advice is, use google images and flickr to find "one light portraits", pick few simple examples and try to replicate them.

Start with Rentham's first comment with setup and play around to get a feel.. And yea.. have some set of rechargeable batteries with you

Go on ebay or amazon and order some cheap umbrella/lightstand kit just to practice or use bounce flash technique

[kuul13]

Originally Posted by graciousness

Go to youtube and search for bounce flash and flash techniques. There are heaps of tutorials there that really helped me.

Also, I love this site and Neil rocks with his tutorials - so easy to understand and I love the way he approaches his work.

http://neilvn.com/tangents/index/flash-photography/

You won't believe how much your work will improve by simply doing simple bounce techniques with your flash. Opens up a new world....

You guys rock Thanks graciousness for sharing the link..

I know it will take some time but am sure one day I will have some great pictures to share. But at this time I think I have loads of things to learn about flash photography, so this should be good starting point.

"inkista" I am already using Manual mode, I never go to any other mode.. I am not sure if I need to go back to "Aperture" or "Shutter" modes. Actually I thought I have little command over manual mode.

Also, at this time I am having hard time to spend.. so can't really afford umbrellas, reflectors etc but once I learn and get little confidence then I may invest.. but still look for some cheaper alternatives in ebay and other sites. I guess firstly, I should concentrate on the basics of flash photography and post the images in critique section for your valuable suggestions.

Thanks again.. this is useful.. and am sure people like me will be now able to start something