580ex ii ?

[GMAN]

I've been studying photography for just over a yr now. So, I'm just a mere beginner in the photography world but enjoying every minute of it! My question is in regards to my canon 580EX II flash. Athough, I purchased this thing about 4 months ago, I have yet to really attempt to use it, due to the millions of features that his has, and the other simple fact is that I'm intimidated. Other than using the Ettl, which does a fairly good job in a few of the test shots that I took in the Ettl Mode.
I stumbled across a website that has a DVD called Canon Speedlite 580 EX II / 430 EX II Crash Course, for sale!... Anyone care to comment on this DVD, or can you possibly provide another source, so I can embrace this Speedlite and increase my photography skills! This Speedlite wasn't cheap. I better lean how to use it...Know what I'm saying?

[inkista]

I know exactly what you're saying. Me and my 580EX were in the same spot five years ago, when I started reading the Strobist.

I wouldn't start there, though. That's the red pill.

Start with Neil van Niekerk's Tangents, particularly the "Flash Photography Techniques" section. That should get you started with what you can do with one really good on-camera flash.

Once all that stuff makes some sense and you want to branch out, then hit the Strobist.