Email Q&A: FLASHES???
Here’s an email I got today, and I thought it was a great question about flashes, so I figured I post the email & my answer here.
I used my Canon 580EX flash on Christmas Eve, and the results were great! I’ll post some pics when I’m done working on client images from my pre-Christmas Barefoot Memories sessions.
HERE’S THE EMAIL:
Hi Carey!! …
I’m just now really getting to know photography (got two little grandsons that I’m THOROUGHLY enjoying taking picture of!!) and I’ve used many of your tips. We took a fun trip to California back in June and went to Coronado Island, and I used your advice about the reflection photos on the beach. WOW! They turned out great!! I was so excited!! Some of my favorite shots!! Thanks for the tips!Anyway, I have a question for you. I have a Canon Rebel and I’m looking for an external flash for it. What would you suggest I get? I trust your judgement.
I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas and I hope we get to see some of your pictures of the holidays!
Thanks again for all your help!
Janice
HERE’S MY ANSWER:
Hi Janice,
Thanks for your nice email!
I have a 580EX Speedlite, like the one HERE.
I really like it because I can swivel the head around and bounce the light off ceilings and walls. That softens the light and diminishes shadow a lot.
I recommend sticking with Canon flashes. I’ve tried off-brand flashes, but the “e-ttl” metering (electronic thru the lens) metering that talks from the camera to the flash doesn’t work as well when the camera & the flash are different brands.
There are less expensive Speedlites (like the 430 EX) but I think the 580 is great and worth the extra $$.
I hope that helps!
Carey
What I didn’t put in my email to Janice is that I also use the Stofen Omnibounce to soften the light a little more. It’s compact and not clunky. I’ve purchased bigger diffusers (like the “Fong” things & bigger softeners & diffusers) but the Stofen works really well and takes up very little room. Plus, the people I’m taking pictures of just see a flash with a little white cap on the end.
When I’m using a big diffuser, I usually get “WHAT THE HECK IS THAT!!???” questions out of the kids and adults, which really spoils my attempts at creating candid shots!
Xmas pics coming soon!
Happy Holidays!!
By the way.. here are those video tips Janice was talking about:
Part 1:
Part 2:
