Flash is a device which provides additional light to a scene. It can be used to help fill in a dark area of a photo, to provide light if there isn't sufficient light to begin with, or it can help to improve the composition of a particular photo, by creating your own source of light.
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2k views
What's a good starter flash for Nikon?
I have a Nikon D3000, use it mostly to take pictures of my kids. Going into winter, I'm thinking about getting an external flash but I don't even know where to start. I'm assuming all flashes are ...
2
votes
1answer
654 views
Why doesn't my Sigma EF-500 flash work properly with my new Canon 60D?
I've recently upgraded to a 60D (from a 300D) and have just tried my Sigma EF-500 DG ST flash. This used to work fine on the 300D but on the 60D when using it in TTL mode the flash defaults to the ...
5
votes
2answers
318 views
Are there any tricks to make a pop-up flash suck less in low light?
I'm taking a lot of low-light indoor shots of moving subjects. I hate a the default flip-up flashes of most moderns DSLRs (in my case, a Canon 60D), but this is typically a point and shoot situation ...
3
votes
2answers
392 views
Is Pentax AF360 same as Jessops 360AFD?
I've got a Jessops 360AFD flash and I'm looking for a diffuser for it (the original one is broken). I have been led to believe it is the same as a Pentax AF360.
Is this the case? Or have I had ...
5
votes
3answers
3k views
How does TTL flash work in manual exposure mode?
I got the Metz 44 AF-1 flash recently that is TTL capable for my Canon 550D, and have been reading around to get a better understanding of using flash on-camera (Neil Van Niekerk's article on flash ...
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3answers
2k views
Are small on-flash softboxes useful, or a gimmick?
There are a number of "mini-softbox" products on the market. These are meant to mount on a hotshoe flash (usually with an elastic band).
Lumiquest Softbox III
Are these worthwhile portable and ...
9
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4answers
7k views
How can I get proper flash exposure in AV mode without using ETTL?
I have a Canon 5D Mark II and normally shoot with natural light (I try to stay away from flash). However, I am taking on more situations where I need to use my hotshoe flash (Canon Speedlite 580 EX ...
3
votes
2answers
400 views
What features should one look for when selecting a flash?
I have been thinking of getting a flash to improve my low light photography (particularly indoors). However, there seem to be a number of different models available at similar price points (budget of ...
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2answers
114 views
Will these two accesories work together for a “Macro” photography experience?
I am trying to to get a Christmas gift for my wife. She has a Cannon Rebel T1i and two lenses that came with it (nothing else).
She has shown some interest in Macro photography with the lenses she ...
6
votes
3answers
566 views
Can one radio trigger be used to trigger two speedlights?
I have a pair of Yongnuo RF-603 radio flash transceivers, two SB-600s & D200. I'm planning to build a large rectangular softbox that'll use both speedlights for extra power. Is there a synch cord ...
8
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2answers
396 views
Why do I get horizontal grey bar with flash at shutter speeds slower than max sync speed?
I'm a total newbie to flash photography, and I am just trying to do some test shooting with Canon Speedlite 580 EXII using my 7D.
I saw on the user manual that the maximum sync speed is 1/250 sec.
...
4
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2answers
520 views
How does the power of a flash relate to the duration of the flash pulse?
Specifically for my Nikon SB-700, but also for flashes in general — how does the power setting relate to the duration of the pulse? Basically, is the power normally controlled by cutting down on the ...
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2answers
691 views
Why do flashes make a whistling sound when recycling?
When recycling, some flashes make a whistling sound, going from low to high frequency for a few seconds. After a more intensive flash, the sound is more intense as well.
What is the source of this ...
2
votes
2answers
224 views
What is the highest shutter speed in which the shutter is at some point completely open?
Specifically, for my Nikon D7000, but also in general. Is this shutter speed basically going to be the same shutter speed as the fastest flash sync speed, or the flash sync speed more affected by ...
3
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3answers
379 views
How can I get nice, vivid colors in food photography without blown-out brightness from the flash?
Whenever I click pictures of people and food using flash, the whole picture becomes bright. When I click without flash, the camera takes in the light from the surroundings and gives me a monotonous ...
5
votes
1answer
539 views
How to use the safety shift custom function with a flash on a Canon 5D Mark II?
I do a lot of available light photography with f/1.2 and f/1.4 lenses. I use the "safety shift" mode (C.Fn I-6), which works great in combination with shutter priority mode (Tv). For example, I can ...
4
votes
3answers
2k views
For a novice to flash, what color correction gels would be best to experiment with?
I recently purchased a Canon Speedlight 430EX II, and have been experimenting with the flash on my camera. I have also ordered a 6 foot off-camera flash cable and a bracket that will allow me to move ...
3
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3answers
266 views
What are the most important factors that need to be kept in mind while purchasing a manual flash gun?
What are the most important factors that need to be kept in mind while purchasing a manual flash gun?
6
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4answers
437 views
In low light, does it make sense to use a normal house light bulb instead of a flash?
Actually, yesterday I shot a photograph indoors with a tubelight (on the wall) and a flash on. The results were "too" boring. The flash had robbed away all the natural looks of the scene.
Does ...
5
votes
4answers
530 views
Does adding additional strobes cumulatively add to the flash power?
I've been reading articles that talk about using multiple strobes next to each other, all pointing in the same direction: as a means to add more light over what one flash can do.
Does the addition of ...
22
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1answer
5k views
What are the differences between E-TTL, i-TTL, and P-TTL?
Canon, Nikon and Pentax each have their own TTL flash metering systems, respectively E-TTL, i-TTL, and P-TTL. They all use a weak preflash that is metered and used to calculate flash power level ...
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3answers
663 views
Does a flash work well with regular alkaline batteries?
In doing research prior to purchasing my first flash for my DSLR system I have come across a wealth of information, including this post that outlined many great points in selecting the best ...
7
votes
4answers
269 views
How do I start using a hotshoe flash?
I've just been given a Sigma EF-500 DG ST flash unit. I've not really had much experience using flash. How can I get started? Are there any good learning resources?
4
votes
3answers
806 views
How does commander mode on a Nikon camera body differ from commander mode a on SB-700 Speedlight?
My Nikon D80 and new Nikon SB-700 both offer Commander mode. I have two questions:
When NOT in wireless mode (that is, when the flash is plugged into the hot shoe either directly or with a cable), ...
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6answers
3k views
How do I reduce the light from the pop-up flash as a wireless controller on a Canon 7D?
What are the best work-arounds out there for dealing with the built-in flash when trying to use the Wireless Flash feature of the 7D?
Is there a Canon version of the SG-3IR? Or do you use a modified ...
4
votes
3answers
406 views
Why are there multiple contradictory ways to control flash ratio?
I am reading the following introduction to flash photography:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-flash-2.htm
In this article, I came across two seemingly contradictory statements:
...
15
votes
3answers
23k views
Is camera flash actually harmful to infants or newborns?
I just got a new off-camera flash, and the instruction manual says:
Never fire the flash unit closer than 1 meter from infants.
This was a little startling to me, since one of the main reasons I ...
13
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2answers
1k views
How can I think logically about getting correct exposure with flash?
I recently got a new off-camera flash (Nikon SB-700), and I'm having trouble thinking about the variables that go into proper exposure.
For example, without flash, I have a little mental decision ...
3
votes
1answer
700 views
Will Quantaray QTB 7500A with module CN AF work with Canon Rebel XSi?
I saw your earlier post about a new module that was required for use with the quantaray QTB7500A with the canon rebel xsi? I'm not sure what you meant by new module...my module says CN AF and has ...
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2answers
260 views
Cons of using a manual flash on-camera as well?
Can we use a manual mode flash (specifically the Lumopro LP 160) On-Camera as well ? What are the cons of this ?
The only one I can think of is no TTL support.
Note : I will be using this with a ...
4
votes
1answer
745 views
What are good situations to use Canon Multi-Flash feature?
What can be done with the MULTI-Flash feature of a 580ex II flash? What are good situations to use this feature?
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1answer
148 views
What are the key features of the Canon Speedlite 320EX?
I would like to find out the new key features of Canon Speedite 320EX and how to use them and to improve my flash photography.
I have stated down three key areas but please feel free to add more and ...
11
votes
4answers
749 views
How can I use wide aperture with fill flash?
I was working with an off-camera flash this weekend for some portraits of my son. I was shooting in medium sunlight (early morning, partly cloudy, w/ some shade), and I like the lighting control I ...
8
votes
4answers
394 views
To take my portrait photography to the next level, should I get a second flashgun or a monolight?
I am a hobbyist and using a Canon 600D with 50mm f/1.8 and 18-135mm lenses.
I bought 430EX-II flashgun, and it works great as off-camera flash with the 600D's built in transmitter. I also have a ...
4
votes
2answers
153 views
Can I trigger an optar 152M manually?
First off, I know nothing about flashes.
I have an optar 152M flash that fits on top of the camera, and I want to trigger it manually.
The flash seems to have a contact where it fits onto the ...
6
votes
1answer
467 views
How do I repair a detached SB600 flash head tilt/rotate lock-release button?
The rubber cover that I press to tilt/rotate the head of my SB-600 flash has come off after years of abuse, and it looks like the original adhesive has dried out.
Can anyone recommend some ...
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vote
1answer
423 views
Why don't these external flashes fire when the camera shoots in Live View mode?
I had the opportunity to use some professional flashes yesterday and I found out that they didn't fire when I was trying to shoot with the camera in Live View mode.
The flashes were two Elinchrom ...
11
votes
4answers
359 views
How to keep flash from disrupting the scene?
My friends and I have observed that the act of using a flash in informal settings (for example, pictures of a Christmas party or a busy toddler) tends to draw attention to the photographer and thus ...
4
votes
4answers
1k views
Why does my Canon 60D sometimes lengthen exposure when using the flash?
In low light conditions, my first shot will often be handheld with no flash. If there's not enough light however, the shutter speed can be too slow and I'm not steady enough for a crisp image - so ...
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vote
2answers
182 views
Is there a good flash for which you can get an AC adapter?
I'm working on a lighting solution for my studio. All of the lights will be 100% stationary and I'm wondering if there's a way to get flashes that I can just plug into the wall instead of bothering ...
8
votes
2answers
217 views
What's the relationship between flash power expressed as a fraction and as EV?
I'm looking around for a second flash to play around with for off-camera stuff. Some flash specs I'm reading say that I get an adjustment range of plus or minus 2 EV or similar, while others say I get ...
5
votes
2answers
224 views
What is an independent flash called?
By "independent flash" I mean a flash which is not attached with the camera by default.
What is the technical name for it?
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vote
3answers
162 views
What flash unit should I choose for taking photos on a night boat cruise?
I'm going to a boat cruise tonight in London. With the following kit to choose from:
Nikon D7000
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8
Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6
Nikon SB-400
Yongnuo YN-465
I need to make a choice ...
4
votes
2answers
356 views
Can you use the built-in flash in a Canon EOS 450D with a hot shoe GPS geo-tagger?
As far as I can see, the answer is no, the flash cannot open if anything, is plugged on the hot shoe of a Canon EOS 450D:
Can anyone confirm that I wouldn't be able to use something like the Jobo ...
3
votes
1answer
349 views
Why doesn't the focus assist light get triggered on a flash connected via a Pocket Wizard TT1?
I have a Pocket Wizard TT1 and TT5 which work fine. I mount the TT1 on the camera shoe and the TT5 fires my remote flash ETTL fine.
I now want a focus assist light, so I set a flash (580, 430 or ...
4
votes
5answers
2k views
What third-party speedlite/flashes are available for Nikon?
I'm looking for a flash with a budget of < $200. I have a Nikon D3100, and I'm a beginner with photography, who is taking some classes and wants some flexibility with a decent bounce flash.
I was ...
7
votes
6answers
3k views
What kind of lighting equipment should I have as a Strobist beginner?
What kind of lighting equipment should I have as a beginner?
Basically I want to take some great portrait pictures with a decent lighting equipment.
Any suggestion towards strobist accessories?
2
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2answers
773 views
How do the ePhoto and Cowboy Studio beauty dishes compare for a newbie learning the ropes?
I'm wanting to buy a beauty dish and I'm on a tight budget, I can't find reviews comparing the ePhoto vs Cowboy Studio Beauty Dishes and was hoping one of you might help me choose.
I'm looking at ...
14
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0answers
851 views
Which AA rechargeable batteries work best for Nikon SB-600 speedlight?
I am interested what is your experience with this speedlight with regards to the type of batteries you use.
Can you recommend the batteries providing shortest recycle time and max number of flashes?
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6answers
1k views
How do I get this fashion photograph effect?
I found an interesting fashion photograph and I want to recreate the effect.
I know for a fact that the pictures are taken in complete darkness using a Canon XSi, the built-in flash, and some ...
