flashes / strobes / info needed

(ladythump) · (ladythump) **Join Date: Jul 2004** 10-24-2009, 2:44 PM

I've been looking at many photos where flashes or strobes are used. I know nothing about this: equipment, how to use it, what equipment to use, what strobing is, etc etc.
Are there any good websites to get some information and start practicing???
Thanks guys!

(wakesurf12) · (wakesurf12) **Join Date: Jun 2003** 10-24-2009, 4:11 PM

strobist.com

(mroy) · (mroy) **Join Date: Mar 2008** 10-25-2009, 5:50 AM

I second strobist.com

(ladythump) · (ladythump) **Join Date: Jul 2004** 10-25-2009, 10:04 AM

thanks guys

(ladythump) · (ladythump) **Join Date: Jul 2004** 10-25-2009, 10:06 AM

Ryan,
Great website and pics. I like how you split most pics with a closeup of the rider and then an action shot. Great idea.

(dakid) · (dakid) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 10-25-2009, 1:13 PM

in case no one's mentioned it, strobist.com.

(dcervenka) · (dcervenka) **Join Date: Sep 2002** 10-25-2009, 6:52 PM

Is there an echo?

http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html

(b_rad_b) · (b_rad_b) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 10-28-2009, 11:54 AM

Be warned though. If you go to www.strobist.com you will end up buying several flashes and then some wireless triggers and then you'll have to get stands and modifiers, etc. That could easily become a very expensive decision. Your pictures will be better though!

(ladythump) · (ladythump) **Join Date: Jul 2004** 10-28-2009, 9:18 PM

Brad,
I'm learning that already. Does anyone know a good inexpensive flash to start off with for a Canon?? best bang for the buck so to speak....

(mroy) · (mroy) **Join Date: Mar 2008** 10-29-2009, 4:02 AM

I love my vivitar 285hv and for 90 bucks you cant go wrong and you can usually find a used one for 50-60 I always check craigslist. I have 2 for my set up with a 580EXII.

(skull) · (skull) **Join Date: May 2002** 10-29-2009, 5:29 AM

I haven't figured it all out yet. I have one 580EXII and two 430s. Per strobist, I set the camera to manual, shutter to 1/250 (max strobe sync speed), ISO to 100, WB to "flash", then let my light meter determine the aperature. The pics look like ass. I have had better luck shooting outside and using one 580EXII to fill in the shadows. I need to spend more time messing with the strobes I guess. I use a Canon ST-2 to trigger everything.

(wakesurf12) · (wakesurf12) **Join Date: Jun 2003** 10-29-2009, 8:38 AM

I second the Vivitars. They rock!

(steezyshots) · (steezyshots) **Join Date: Feb 2008** 10-29-2009, 8:55 AM

Love my alienbees!

(wakeripper) · (wakeripper) **Join Date: Oct 2002** 10-29-2009, 12:37 PM

Riley are you using the alienbees cybersync triggers also? http://www.alienbees.com/cybersync.html#cst I have been looking at getting those as i have heard good things and they are alot cheaper than pocket wizards and alot better than those crappy ebay ones

(steezyshots) · (steezyshots) **Join Date: Feb 2008** 10-29-2009, 1:37 PM

I have them and love em. Havent failed me yet, even when i'm knee deep in water

(russian) · (russian) **Join Date: Feb 2008** 10-29-2009, 7:03 PM

I don't think the vivitars can be mounted on a canon camera though right? or is it just the older ones?

(wakesurf12) · (wakesurf12) **Join Date: Jun 2003** 10-29-2009, 9:30 PM

The new ones are save. The old ones will fry your camera. I have both kinds but they never touch the hot shoes of my cameras. They are great for off camera stuff. Especially for learning and beating on.