Speedlight questions.

[Octoberbabiesrus]

My mom suggested I get one. She said it would make my pics tons better. (she's a photographer) I said ok, and she suggested one. My hubby bought it for me. Well... I havent the foggiest on how to really use it. I understood my DSLR about 60%...but this is WAY over my head. Can anyone help? Mom is busy and cant help right now....

the one she suggested is Vivitar DF-383

[Peanut Giggleface]

You attach it into the hotshoe. That's the square grooved attachment above your existing pop-up flash. Just slide it in until it's secure, then turn it on. There should be a light or indicator in the back that lets you know it has powered up sufficiently. Make sure you adjust your white balance for flash and then take a picture. You'll be amazed how much brighter and more evenly lit your picture will be. Then you can play with the adjustment of the flash. You can make it flash brighter or not so bright. Also play with the position of your flash head. Tilting it up to 45* will give a nice bright flash but won't blow out the faces of your subjects. Tilting it up to 90* will give yet a different result. Play around with it and have fun.