Off camera flash

[thaoimage]

Would it make a big difference in my pictures? I'm getting ready to go and buy the Canon EOS 430EX II off camera flash.

[BCampbell]

Yes. Once you get the light off the same axis as the lens (which it is when it's simply on the hotshoe), you have a pretty wide array of techniques you can use.

The best place to start is probably the Strobist website, it's dedicated to off-camera flash -- often with high-end, multi-light setups, but also a lot of good advice for basic single unit work too.

[thaoimage]

Originally Posted by BCampbell

Yes. Once you get the light off the same axis as the lens (which it is when it's simply on the hotshoe), you have a pretty wide array of techniques you can use.

The best place to start is probably the Strobist website, it's dedicated to off-camera flash -- often with high-end, multi-light setups, but also a lot of good advice for basic single unit work too.

May I have the link to that website please? I wouldn't mind checking it out.

[natek313]

Strobist

To start, look on the right-hand side of that page to find the drop-down menus. Take a look under "Lighting 101" menu, and view the "Lighting 101 Intro" page. That will start getting you familiar with the terms and equipment used with off-camera flash.

But, be careful. It is easy to inflict information overload on that site. Haha.

[thaoimage]

Originally Posted by natek313

Strobist

To start, look on the right-hand side of that page to find the drop-down menus. Take a look under "Lighting 101" menu, and view the "Lighting 101 Intro" page. That will start getting you familiar with the terms and equipment used with off-camera flash.

But, be careful. It is easy to inflict information overload on that site. Haha.

Thank you much nate

[BCampbell]

Yeah, I would in fact say don't worry about absorbing information right away, just click around and browse. You'll want to stick to single-unit lighting for now, and since strobist is all about off-camera flash you'll want to look into getting that unit off the camera, either with a cord or wireless "triggers". So those are good places to start. There's also a strobist group on flickr if you're a member, and the people there are generally helpful.

[thaoimage]

I think I'll work my way up from mounting the external flash unit onto the camera and gradually move it off my camera. Thanks for all the useful info.

[inkista]

I heartily recommend the on-camera first before off-camera learning approach. Going straight to the Strobist was some serious overload and skipping of the basics for me.

For on-camera flash, I recommend Neil van Niekirk's "Flash Photography Techniques" website. He's also condensed it down into a book.

[PotatoEYE]

If you decide to do it, I highly recommend Yongnuo RF-602RX, you can get a trigger with 1,2,3 receivers as many as you need. Very reliable and inexpensive