Got my new flashes (Speedlight 420ex and 550ex), can you give me some tips?

[Lachesis00]

That 550ex is HEAVY!! and is going to take some time using. I think it will be 'use on a tripod' kind of flash. The 420ex isn't bad. Barely tell it is there.

Do you guys have some books or websites you can point me to, to learn how to take flash photography? Any tips you can pass on?

Can someone tell me what a diffuser is and how is it used? I see it used over on ILP a lot (remember I really do not post there, just read).

I know what bouncing a flash is, but I am assuming you need something to bounce off of, a wall, ceiling ect... bouncing off the sky probably wouldn't work, correct?

Thanks guys!

 

[Scottl]

That 550ex is HEAVY!! and is going to take some time using. I think it will be 'use on a tripod' kind of flash. The 420ex isn't bad. Barely tell it is there.

Do you guys have some books or websites you can point me to, to learn how to take flash photography? Any tips you can pass on?

There are some good websites:
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html


Can someone tell me what a diffuser is and how is it used? I see it used over on ILP a lot (remember I really do not post there, just read).

A diffuser is used to do exactly what it says. Diffuse the light at the source so it doesn't come across as a hard direct light. There are tons of different kinds. Most people like the Gary Fong and the Stoffen. There are pros and cons to both of course. There are all kinds of user forums on this subject.

I know what bouncing a flash is, but I am assuming you need something to bounce off of, a wall, ceiling ect... bouncing off the sky probably wouldn't work, correct?

That is correct. It's hard to bounce light off of something that would take an eternity if ever to hit something and bounce back
Thanks guys!

I just got an external flash at Christmas and I'm still learning a lot about it. Most of my pictures are under exposed so i'm still trying to figure it out. It takes time and practice. Good Luck and let us know how it's going.

Scott

 

[mabas9395]

I like this article:

http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/

 

[RitchG]

After you've used the two for a couple months, please post how you like them - amount of light, ease of use, quirks, etc. Which camera are you using with them?

As far as learning resources, I teach (part-time, some-times) creative courses including photography and use these resources:
Magic Lantern Guides (I think there's one just for Speedlites)
Real World Digital Photography
Studio Photography Techniques
(and there are 100's of others)
and these web sites are good:
planetneil
photoxels
and the ones mentioned above; and sometimes Nikon, Canon et. al. will have tutorials on their web sites as well.
HTH.
---Ritch

 

[ndelaware]

I like this article:

http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/

I would second this site. It is a tough read but it is full of great info on the Canon ETTL flash system.