Lighting - what kit, and where to learn about it?
Discussion
Morning All,
I have decided I'd like to make use of my up coming 40th birthday - and presents associated therewith - to improve on my skills with artificial lighting.
Kit wise, I've got a Canon 450D with a variety of lenses plus an MR-14 EX ring flash and 580 EX II flash.
I've played around a bit with using the ring flash to control the 580 off the camera, but I'm not really sure what I'm doing! I am, therefore, looking for guidance as to recommendations for a decent book or two to help me understand better what I'm doing, and also recommendations on any other kit I might want to invest in, be it another flash or whatever.
Total budget for this is around £400, and due to a bunch of gift vouchers thereon, I'd like to be able to buy whatever I buy on Amazon.
Recommend away, please!
I have decided I'd like to make use of my up coming 40th birthday - and presents associated therewith - to improve on my skills with artificial lighting.
Kit wise, I've got a Canon 450D with a variety of lenses plus an MR-14 EX ring flash and 580 EX II flash.
I've played around a bit with using the ring flash to control the 580 off the camera, but I'm not really sure what I'm doing! I am, therefore, looking for guidance as to recommendations for a decent book or two to help me understand better what I'm doing, and also recommendations on any other kit I might want to invest in, be it another flash or whatever.
Total budget for this is around £400, and due to a bunch of gift vouchers thereon, I'd like to be able to buy whatever I buy on Amazon.
Recommend away, please!
This website has lots of useful(free) info on Canon flashes and how to use them.
Edited by jimmy156 on Saturday 21st August 10:54
To expand a bit further on my previous post, now I'm not on a phone, whilst I like the idea of getting better portraits off the kids, I'm more keen on solutions that will let me get interesting shots and effects when I'm out and about, and I can't lug studio kit around with me.
As a prime, if rather clichéd example, I work just round the corner from the BMX/Skateboard/Graffiti site on the Southbank.
Given that the above is, I would assume, a professionally shot image done in session, then I am sure they did have lots of studio equipment, but I'd love to be able to get something in that direction without the full facilities if possible. Of course, it may be completely impossible, I don't know!
As a prime, if rather clichéd example, I work just round the corner from the BMX/Skateboard/Graffiti site on the Southbank.
Given that the above is, I would assume, a professionally shot image done in session, then I am sure they did have lots of studio equipment, but I'd love to be able to get something in that direction without the full facilities if possible. Of course, it may be completely impossible, I don't know!
Kermit power said:
... a decent book or two to help me understand better what I'm doing, and also recommendations on any other kit I might want to invest in, be it another flash or whatever.
... I'd like to be able to buy whatever I buy on Amazon.
Recommend away, please!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hot-Shoe-Diaries-Creative-Applications/dp/0321580141/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1282408294&sr=8-1... I'd like to be able to buy whatever I buy on Amazon.
Recommend away, please!
It's worth mentioning that Joe uses Nikon kit, but the techniques and effects are still valid for Canonists.
If you don't already have one, a springy camera-to-flash hotshoe lead might be useful.
Pete
Kermit power said:
I'm more keen on solutions that will let me get interesting shots and effects when I'm out and about, and I can't lug studio kit around with me.
You can, but it gets very expensive so I'd agree for affordable portability you're going the right way.Kermit power said:
Given that the above is, I would assume, a professionally shot image done in session, then I am sure they did have lots of studio equipment, but I'd love to be able to get something in that direction without the full facilities if possible. Of course, it may be completely impossible, I don't know!
You can get quite a long way 'reverse engineering' lighting and so work out roughly how it was done - shadow angle and softness, highlights in eyes etc.Edited by Simpo Two on Saturday 21st August 19:02
I'm just getting into lighting myself...
Loking around, reverse engineering shots etc, theres a good thread on POTN for images ofmr single strobs and multi strobes.
Have a 7D and Di866 so can off camera wireless ETTL but this is proving poor outside.
So when I get back from the UK I will buy two pairs of rf-602 wireless popers and another basic manual flash + some stands/modifiers.
Loking around, reverse engineering shots etc, theres a good thread on POTN for images ofmr single strobs and multi strobes.
Have a 7D and Di866 so can off camera wireless ETTL but this is proving poor outside.
So when I get back from the UK I will buy two pairs of rf-602 wireless popers and another basic manual flash + some stands/modifiers.
For cheaper solutions you could look at a white umbrella and stand to use with your flash or with a second more powerful flash either shoot through or bounce off. The Nissin flashguns have had good reviews and can work wirelessly with your 580 I believe.
You'll need some sort of off camera connection which could be wireless as has been mentioned or you could get a PC cable and some adaptors they are available in various lengths. You'd have to switch to full manual control but in my experience that is easier to manage once you've experimented a bit.
I know it's not Amazon but this gives you an idea of prices and options.
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/default.php?cat=1&...
That EOS site that Jimmy156 recommended is really good at explains but it also shows why it can be difficult to get the results you want when you are using the automatic or semi automatic modes on the Canon camera's.
You'll need some sort of off camera connection which could be wireless as has been mentioned or you could get a PC cable and some adaptors they are available in various lengths. You'd have to switch to full manual control but in my experience that is easier to manage once you've experimented a bit.
I know it's not Amazon but this gives you an idea of prices and options.
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/default.php?cat=1&...
That EOS site that Jimmy156 recommended is really good at explains but it also shows why it can be difficult to get the results you want when you are using the automatic or semi automatic modes on the Canon camera's.
Kermit power said:
Hmm.. Are they better than the cheapo Chinese things off Ebay? I've tried those, but they seem to be very hit & miss.
I have a set of RF602s (1 transmitter and 3 receivers) and they seem very well built and have never misfired on me. Strobist.com rate them quite highly, their only concern being whether future versions (when you want to buy more/replace one etc) would still be compatible, whereas the professional kit (like Pocket Wizards) should be future proof. Kermit power said:
Looks great, thanks! I'm still interested in books as well, though, as I tend to find for some reason that I take stuff in better that way.
Two that I'd recommend: I'm still interested in books as well, though, as I tend to find for some reason that I take stuff in better that way.1. On-Camera Flash - Neil van Niekerk (also see his excellent blog);
2. The Hot Shoe Diaries - Joe McNally.
Definitely worth reading.
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