Flash Photography

[Feroz B]

Hi

I recently was asked to shoot my aunt's 50th birthday party, the lighting in the venue was horrible and i was forced to use my popup flash in certain instances. I was happy with some of the pics i took but most of them needed some work in PS. I prefer shooting without a flash but there are going to be times i'm sure when i will need one. Could you guys perhaps recommend a good external flash for a hobbyist. I was thinking of the Canon 430 ex II.

[Big W]

I am a hobbyist and use a Canon 430 ex II and it I am very happy with it. Had a Sigma EF-610 DG ST and it was great, but you have more fuctions on the 430 ex II.

[Thndr_strck]

Just ordered one of these, will give opinions once it arrives:

http://www.hkyongnuo.com/e-detail.php?ID=288

[Gavin van Dam]

I use the 430EX II (with a Stofen diffuser) and have no issues with it. Going to be upgrading to the 5xxEX when I get my 7D (or 5D) in the next month or two. I will then use the 430 as an off camera, remote triggered flash.

[EttVenter]

I use 4 LumoPro LP160 flashes. Imported these from the US. Much cheaper than SB900 flashes, they've got 90% of the power of the 900, but they're infinitely more reliable than the YN flashes.

I use these for all my photographic work, including weddings, etc, and I honestly couldn't ask for more in a flash.

Google it. You'll almost certainly get 2 for the same price you'll pay for a Nikon/Canon flash.

[Dave_]

The 430ex is a great little flash. But getting a bigger better flash is not the main thing, learning to use it is.

So, some tips for your next shoot:

Dont use direct flash, a.k.a the "ugly maker" unless you really want a specific look (not many are great). Learn to bounce the flash (off the ceiling/wall/reflector...)

Learn to use manual mode on your camera, this is the best way of using your camera with a flash. Google this, as you will learn that your shutter controls ambient light (the light from the "background") and your aperture controls the amount of light on your subject.

Buy rechargeable batteries, the higher the rating the better (like 2700).