Help! I have a nikon sb600 that I haven't tried out yet (my camera: nikon d90). Any good books or sites I can check out to learn how to use speedlights? Thanks!
Its all in the bounce, bounce the flash off walls and ceilings etc this helps if they are white lol : ) I use a stofen to soften the hashness of the flash.
@mommyof1@simon0128 Agree with Simon. Don't complicate it with books. I have used an SB600 for 4 years, and never opened the manual. It is a TTL flash. It can take care of itself.
Bouncing the flash off a wall, ceiling, etc. can make amazing, or poor effects. Have to practice. I sometimes crank it up to plus 3.0 (battery drainer), and shoot with it pointing directly behind me, to diffuse the light. For outdoor shots, I sometimes go to maybe -0.3 or 0.-7 what just wanting some fill light on a person, with a sunset in the background, so both are emphasized. Play play play! It's digital. You can always delete later . I say later because I will never delete on camera, until I have a chance to really look at it. Some of my goof shots that most would have deleted on camera became some of my best, thanks to Lightroom.
There are also light modifiers. I like the Flashbender personally (kind funny lookin' though), as I can bend it to shape the light, unlike others. Good luck!
practice. practice. practice. there are all kinds of great books on it, but each situation will be slightly different. play with the manual modes on them, and really get to know the controls on the flash, that will come in quite handy. also start tinkering with diy hacks for the flash, make your own snoots and grids and really have fun.
Yes, bouncing is awesome! Practice bouncing off of the ceiling (But that will flat light your subject) I usually bounce at a V angle. If I am in a room, I will try to aim my light at the seam of the wall and ceiling behind me. Sometimes I will bounce off of a mirror to the side of me or a window. If the light is too bright, go to your menu and find your Flash Exposure Comp and dial down the strength of your flash.
@simon0128@cluvlj@cchambers@lilbudhha@jenp thank you for all your input. i will ignore my fears and proceed as you suggested :) @meggageg it is comforting for me to know that i am not alone (mine is still inside the box...unopened for quite awhile now). but what about let's jump off and follow their lead? we can post some of our attempts and ask for their feedback.
I use lights all the time for both drama and story telling. You can bounce the light as suggested or you can shoot the light straight at the subject, Each has a different reason and a different result.
For the me key is thinking of the story or the final image that I want to produce and then use the lights to shape that story.
@agima ~ Just got an external flash for Christmas (Canon Speedlite 430 EX II for my 60D)... looking for all kinds of tips on how to use it effectively... I'm now following you!
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Bouncing the flash off a wall, ceiling, etc. can make amazing, or poor effects. Have to practice. I sometimes crank it up to plus 3.0 (battery drainer), and shoot with it pointing directly behind me, to diffuse the light. For outdoor shots, I sometimes go to maybe -0.3 or 0.-7 what just wanting some fill light on a person, with a sunset in the background, so both are emphasized. Play play play! It's digital. You can always delete later . I say later because I will never delete on camera, until I have a chance to really look at it. Some of my goof shots that most would have deleted on camera became some of my best, thanks to Lightroom.
There are also light modifiers. I like the Flashbender personally (kind funny lookin' though), as I can bend it to shape the light, unlike others. Good luck!
@meggageg it is comforting for me to know that i am not alone (mine is still inside the box...unopened for quite awhile now). but what about let's jump off and follow their lead? we can post some of our attempts and ask for their feedback.
Some quick tips
Have a look at this site on Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/
Follow me and ask questions against my many lighting examples.
http://portfolio.joemcnally.com/
www.KelbyTraining.com
I use lights all the time for both drama and story telling. You can bounce the light as suggested or you can shoot the light straight at the subject, Each has a different reason and a different result.
For the me key is thinking of the story or the final image that I want to produce and then use the lights to shape that story.
@meggageg
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Creative-Lighting-System-Digital/dp/0470045272