Flash Questions

[fokker]

So an off-camera flash is usually better for portaits, correct? In a non-studio (ie portable) situation, what does one use to support the flash, if it is not on the camera?

 

[musicaleCA]

I use my left hand (gotta be smart though and use it from all directions, even if crossing arms isn't so comfy). Or a light stand (that way I can toss an umbrella on there too).

You can do plenty with on-camera flash, but if you don't have a surface to bounce it off of, having it off-camera will allow you to get a better angle with it that creates some good shadows and adds definition.

 

[Clawed]

You can take great portraits with a dedicated flash on-camera www.planetneil.com

But, if you do decide to take it from the top of your camera, I agree with Musicale that you can either hand-hold or use a lightstand. http://strobist.blogspot.com/

Become very familiar with the two above links, they will help you immensely if you take the time to read them.

 

[musicaleCA]

Indeed. Strobist = my lighting god.

 

[HeY iTs ScOTtY]

i use my tripod. its just easier to transport and setup as long as your not using umbrellas(ive never used them so i dont know how they mount) i bought a cheap 20.00 tripod from walmat or something its nice and light and perfect for a flash.

 

[fokker]

Thanks for those links, jsut spent about an hour on strobist and already learned heaps.

Trouble is now I have to go out and buy more photography equipment :meh:

My wallet is getting reamed out lately.

I'm just going to look for (at this stage) a flash unit that I can mount on my hot-shoe and swivel to allow for bouncing etc, and also a pc cable so I can use it off to the side. I can't be bothered carrying around a lightstand so I'll just use bungee cords or soemthing to attach it to stuff with

 

[ThePortfolioPro]

Thanks for those links, jsut spent about an hour on strobist and already learned heaps.

Trouble is now I have to go out and buy more photography equipment :meh:

My wallet is getting reamed out lately.

I'm just going to look for (at this stage) a flash unit that I can mount on my hot-shoe and swivel to allow for bouncing etc, and also a pc cable so I can use it off to the side. I can't be bothered carrying around a lightstand so I'll just use bungee cords or soemthing to attach it to stuff with

Best Advice is make some friends that share your interest and then you can share gear that won't break your wallet as much!

 

[musicaleCA]

AFAIK, the Rebel series don't have PC connections (mine sure doesn't). You'll probably need a shoe-to-shoe connector. I use the OC-E3. (If you use something else, it may or may not support ETTL; the OC-E3 definitely does.)

 

[Samanax]

FlashZebra

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