Flash primer

[JenR]

I've got a little money to spend and I think I would rather use it on a flash, rather than something mundane and practical. Unfortunately for me, I don't know ANYTHING about them or even enough to begin asking the right questions to understand the differences between them.

Could someone kindly direct me a book/website/whatever where I can learn about flash basics? I'm feeling especially ignorant right now... hopefully that will change, though


Thanks!!

~jen

 

[loves_guitar]

What type of camera do you have?

 

[Mike_E]

Hi Jen, the Sb's are great flashes and are a wonder to work with either on camera or in commander mode. If you can swing it, get the Sb 800 (which has a spot for a 5th battery and battery pack capability-wish I had stopped long enough to read that part when I bought my 600). You may not use everything it has to offer but if you need it and it's not there...

mike

Sorry, I was interrupted and forgot to finish reading your post. The first thing to do is read the manual and find the best way for you to get the flash off the camera. Sbs work Verry well on camera but any flash is better off it! Start with (after you read the manual) strobist. http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html

 

[JenR]

What type of camera do you have?

I have a Nikon D-50. I will probably go with the SB-600 or SB-800, but don't know enough yet to really evaluate which one would be better for me. The closest decent camera shop is not very close, so I wanted to do my homework before I made the drive out there. I want to be able to ask the right questions when I'm there.

 

[Mike_E]

Do read strobist. I didn't have a chance to go through nearly all of your posts but it looked like you enjoy some portraiture and this can be done quite well with their approach. You may find that an extra $80-$100 on a stand, umbrella and flash-to-stand mount while you are there is a good thing!

mike

mike

 

[JenR]

Thanks for the input! I'll be sure to check out strobist.

~jen