new flash, no clue?

[jeljohns]

Hi,

I finally purchased a 430EX flash. I have no clue how to use it. Does anyone know of a good website or book or tutorials to get me started? Please don't say "read the manual" because I'm a visual/hands on learner. I have to see pictures and examples of how something is done. The manual is like a foreign language to me.

Thanks!

 

[Mgw189]

Regardless you should still read the manual no matter if you think you will take anything away from it or not. As far as tutorials go did you try searching google to find any? You can also try searching here in the forum using the search tool.

 

[jeljohns]

I will read the manual also, but I just thought maybe someone would know of a good information site.

 

[RONDAL]

not to be a dick...but you can read a website but not the manual?

 

[jeljohns]

The manual does not put the information in to situational context....such as how to light this or that type of situation, ect. That is where a website WITH pictures explaining how they lit the shot is extremely helpful.

 

[Flash Harry]

but without reading the manual you dont know how to use the flash, if you dont know how to use it then f*** knows how your going to light anything with it.

Another case of instant gratification from another web surfer who wants to know the world today but doesn't want to do any of the work involved in gaining that knowledge. H

 

[Dao]

I 100% agree with others. Once you know how to use the flash, you may take a look at here.

** IMPORTANT LINKS: EOS Flash ** (READ FIRST) (Updated: 2008/02/21) - Canon Digital Photography Forums

 

[Dweller]

I dont own one, and currently do not shoot Canon so I can speak to how well these are done, but I did find some tutorial videos on youtube. Perhaps after watching these they will give you some foundation to help the manual make more sense.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wFtUM7su8w]YouTube - Hot To: Attach, use On/off switch & LCD Screen[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocz44DyQwGw]YouTube - How To Use The Pilot button[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aD3whiFdCI8]YouTube - How To; The Mode Button[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVYlwtMDT0A]YouTube - How To: The Wireless Sensor[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AkHzXVTaAE]YouTube - The Workplace[/ame]

 

[jeljohns]

Thank you to those that posted links without being a d*ck. I love how people answer a thread in a newbie link and basically insult the person asking a question. If you think the question is too basic then why do you waste your time even typing a response?

Isn't that what these forums are for? A place to ask questions and share knowledge with each other? I'm not looking for "instant gratification" but more places to LEARN. So once again, thank you to those that posted places where I can learn more information.

 

[Overread]

beyond basic mode control the canon flash manuals are surprisingly sparse on details of how to best use the flash (unlike their camera manuals which are far more informative).
This website here:
Strobist: Lighting 101
Is an often recomened source for flash advice and lessons. I have linked you to the beginners section of the site, but there is also far more once you have the basics understood

 

[Mitica100]

Just a friendly reminder to all of the posters:

This site is for all of us, beginners or not, experts or not. Let's be understanding, friendly and helpful to each other. No more insults, they are not needed and they are counter-productive.

Thank you!

 

[OregonAmy]

I am a really hands-on person too. I find that I learn best by doing the following:

1. sit on the couch with camera (and flash), laptop & manual
2. read manual and test out the stuff I'm reading about on the camera
3. google for terms/concepts I don't understand. wikipedia & youtube usually help out quite a bit

good luck!

 

[Samanax]

Flash Photography Techniques

Natural Looking Flash

 

[Village Idiot]

This is how you really use a 430EX.

Strobist: Lighting 101