Using flash(es) while not mounted on camera hot-shoe.
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 ...
10
votes
7answers
795 views
Recommendations for Wireless Flash Triggers?
Currently my AB800's have a built-in optical trigger, but still requires a flash to trigger them. I'd like to move to an all wireless setup. I also have the canon ST-E2 to pair with my Sigma 500 DG ...
6
votes
6answers
1k views
Advantages of TTL over manual mode when using speedlites
Yesterday a user on stackexchange asked me why do I prefer manual over TTL when working with speedlites. I use them mostly off-camera and I've developed a kind of a workflow where I do not walk back ...
9
votes
4answers
4k views
What is the best external flash for Nikon beginner?
I have read a lot about the SB-800/SB-900 but I am on a low budget (around ~120$). Is there an external flash that I can have to start learning to use it? I do not want absolutely TTL compatibility so ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
Why is there a preflash from a built-in flash when using remote flash only?
When using Nikon D7000 with an off-camera SB600 (which cannot be used as commander) in TTL mode, the built-in flash must be opened to make it work (to serve as a commander), even if this built-in ...
7
votes
1answer
283 views
Is there a simple flash bracket which holds a flash securely?
The flash bracket / umbrella swivel I'm using works just fine, but I'm a little nervous about the way the flash attaches. It's held in place by a combination of friction from screw on the side of the ...
15
votes
3answers
724 views
Why is it important to move the flash away from the camera?
I've read that it's not the quality of your camera, but the quality of the lighting that make pictures really good. That is probably not always true, though - there are many crappy cameras out there. ...
3
votes
5answers
347 views
When and why should I consider buying a speedlight/external flash?
I am just a hobbyist in photography. And I do not have specific interest areas (as of now). So while looking for different things to try with photography, I kept coming across things which require use ...
3
votes
2answers
7k views
What do I need to trigger a remote flash with a Nikon D3100?
I'd like to get into doing some remote lighting, but really don't get the best way to do it.
I've got a Nikon D3100, so no "commander mode" with the built-in flash. My current external flash is a ...
2
votes
4answers
278 views
What are some interesting things to try with a basic flashgun?
I've just got a relatively cheap, basic flashgun (TTL only) and a TTL cord. What are some interesting/enlightening (pardon the pun) exercises to try in order to illustrate the benefits of off-camera ...
6
votes
2answers
1k views
Are there any radio flash triggers capable of P-TTL?
All the popular radio TTL flash triggers, like PocketWizard or RadioPopper, seem to be only available in Nikon and Canon flavors. Are there any models capable of transmitting Pentax P-TTL data?
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), ...
