Need some help starting out

[DeronN]

Just found this site and it looks like a great one. Looks like there's a lot of good knowledge here - and i need it. Just bought a Nikon D5100 a couple of weeks ago. Shot a Pentax Program Plus 35mm many years ago (high school and college) but lost interest a bit after that and went the point and shoot route for a while Now I've got the bug again, but have forgotten all that i learned before.

I'm now getting ready to buy a flash for my d5100. Budget is probably going to keep me our of a Nikon speed light, so have been looking at the Yongnuo's. Now I need some advice from you experienced flash photographers out there. Maybe i'm over thinking this and there is no right/wrong decision.

I want a flash so I don't have to use the built in one and so that I increase my options when I take pics. I also have a young granddaughter and love the idea of being able to take quality portraits of her as she grows up - but I've never done any kind of portrait work. How do I start off my gear? Looking online I can buy 1 565ex w ittl for about 150 or 2 560's for around $110. Prices are rough quotes but in the ballpark, I just don't have them written down with me. Reading various articles online there are different opinions on if ittl is important or not. I know my camera doesn't support commander mode so that's not an issue. I also know that I'm probably not ready for 2 flashes now but will probably want to move in that direction if I take this further. I just don't want to pay for the more expensive featured flash if in the long run the 2 cheaper one's are a better fit for what I'll end up doing.

What are your thoughts? What path should I start on and why? Any other flashes i should be considering? Are there any other options or any other consequences of my decision ( other then it will just fuel the desire for me to buy more camera stuff.)
Thanks

 

[tirediron]

I've not used them myself, but the Yongnuos are fairly well regarded for what they are (budget-priced, entry-level third-party gear). They will definitely help you out a lot, and if you can pick up a remote trigger and get the flash off of the camera, things get soooo much better. The Strobist Blog is an oustanding resource for learning off-camera speedlight work. I would start with their Lighting 101 section. Keep an eye on your local Craig's List and similar 'sites. I've picked up a half-dozen flashes there in the last couple of years for significantly less than new. The first thing I would suggest you look into though is a reflector. This can be something as simple as a large-ish (say 2x3') piece of white poster-board or Coroplast. Using that out of doors on a bright day will give you all sorts of flexibility.

 

[shefjr]

As tirediron stated read the strobist website. It is really helpful. If you choose to go with the 560 make sure you get the 560 II not the plain old 560. The regular one is not at all intuitive. Also, I originally bought two 560s which I honestly regret. I bought about a month later a sb700, which is great! So if I were you buy one cheap one to start then upgrade to the better when you have the cash. One more tip that I learned. Batteries, you'll chew through batteries really quickly. There is an old thread on TPF where people ask about which ones to buy. I have heard enloops are the best however, I bought Duracell which have been great for me.
Cheers,
John