Help with flash selection for Canon camera

[Colin Southern]

shoot a high key portrait using only bedsheets, reflectors and mirrors. The maximum area needed is only the size of a single bed with a white ceiling of 8 feet high max.

Hmmm .. was beginning to wonder just what it was your were priming them to shoot for a while there Steve! (Bedsheets - beds - mirrors - cameras!)

[Colin Southern]

Interesting reading there Colin (well horrifying really).

If you think that that's bad, take a look at these crooks!

By comparison, take a look at B & H ... I know which one I buy from! (Even though I'm around the other side of the earth from them).

[heather4279]

I would agree with Anton, learn your kit well before purchasing more. The occasional students I get are always busting to get their credit card out before they've even finished reading the details on the box let alone the manual ... if ever

The challenge I set is this: with one single flashgun (any make,model etc) on manual shoot a high key portrait using only bedsheets, reflectors and mirrors. The maximum area needed is only the size of a single bed with a white ceiling of 8 feet high max.

Maybe we are into different types of photography

I will admit that I'm definately itching to buy new equipment. The only flash I currently have is the on-camera flash. What would you suggest? Also, any tips or assignments to help me learn?

PS. What was I thinking getting into something that is so darn expensive

[Colin Southern]

I will admit that I'm definately itching to buy new equipment. The only flash I currently have is the on-camera flash. What would you suggest? Also, any tips or assignments to help me learn?

Hi Heather,

I think what Steve wrote was sensible advice - but having said that - I for one am not usually one for "sensible" learning; perhaps it's a bit like learning to drive in that most people would learn the basics in a 4 cylinder low power car - but there's nothing to stop someone learning in a v12 Ferrari either.

Possible two schools of thought on this - one is the conservative approach - the other is what I'll call the "buy more than you need now, and grow into it" approach.

The "danger" with the conservative approach is that if you really "get in to it" then you may find yourself in a situation where you want better gear than you bought initially - the flipside of course is that if you buy top-shelf stuff, and don't take photography as far as you'd like, then you've probably wasted money there as well, so there's no "surefire" method to follow.

In terms of flashes, if your keen to get something then "top shelf" is the 580EX II (with top shelf pricing) or as an alternative, the 430EX II (cheaper, but less powerful, but still a very capable unit - and also fully compatible with your camera).

My suggestion is to go for one or the other - and then we'll teach you how to use it

[heather4279]

Unfortunately not Laura - actually very, very bad shopping I'm afraid

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/All_Star_Camera

Wow, Colin! So glad I asked!

[heather4279]

As far as the tips or assignments, I was refering to anything to help me progress with photography in general. I have looked elsewhere on the net to find sites that have weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly "assignments". All of the ones that I have found are no longer active

[Colin Southern]

As far as the tips or assignments, I was refering to anything to help me progress with photography in general. I have looked elsewhere on the net to find sites that have weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly "assignments". All of the ones that I have found are no longer active

How about you pick something that you'd like to get right, and we'll all join in with our versions plus the usual tips and advice?

[SteveF]

Hmmm .. was beginning to wonder just what it was your were priming them to shoot for a while there Steve! (Bedsheets - beds - mirrors - cameras!)

He, he! The very first thing I used was a giant teddy bear - didn't moan that I was taking too long chimping ...

[SteveF]

Hi Heather,

I think what Steve wrote was sensible advice - but having said that - I for one am not usually one for "sensible" learning;

Nor me normally! This is probably why I have seven canon flashguns because I've never sold anything since going digital. I hasten to add the 550 speedlites do go back about 20yrs tho.

In terms of flashes, if your keen to get something then "top shelf" is the 580EX II (with top shelf pricing) or as an alternative, the 430EX II (cheaper, but less powerful, but still a very capable unit - and also fully compatible with your camera).

My suggestion is to go for one or the other - and then we'll teach you how to use it

Plus if you go the Canon route there are some very good Canon tutorials on the Canon websites.