Understanding flash photography

[MJP]

I've always shy'd away from using the hotshoe mounted speedlight. Never got good results, never really understood it.

So, I found this site and thought it might help others in the same boat.

http://www.scantips.com/lights/

It covers pretty much everything in a clear and concise manner.

I've got a couple of Cactus RF60's and a Cactus v6 transceiver on order as well as a couple of Manfrotto nano stands and various umbrellas to start doing strobe lighting photography. Also Gary Fong Lightspheres.

Thought we could use this thread as the flash tog thread and learn together.

[rhythmworx]

Good thread MJP, would it be wrong of me to post another link that may also help, but just aimed exclusively at Nikon shooters?

I don't want to divert people away from the link you posted as it is very informative and worth reading, but to just give as much food as possible to whoever wishes to read up on the subject, to the people that shoot Nikon, not endorsing any brand here just want to help.

TBH it could also be of help to people using other systems too, but I think the link you posted covers that anyway.

http://nikonclspracticalguide.blogspot.co.uk/2008/01/nikon-flash-two-separate-metering.html

[MJP]

Go ahead. I'm hoping this thread will keep rolling on.

[MJP]

Got three of these Cactus RF60's and a Cactus v6 transceiver. They work brilliantly. Perfect strobist kit.

The one shown has a Gary Fong Lightsphere on it as well.

[MJP]

Pentax K-3 with Pentax-FA 31mm f/1.8 Limited, f/3.2, 1/180 flash sync speed, ISO 200, Metz AF-1 52 with Gary Fong Lightsphere . . . whilst in a boat under a culvert . . .

https://www.flickr.com/photos/56053365@N07/15750290650/in/photostream/

Flash was bounced off the ceiling with the added benefit of the Gary Fong Lightsphere.

[Phra Ek]

I use this low cost trigger and a Nissin flash with a plastic diffuser.

Manual only - but I only use it for portraits and with a few test shots it's easy to get the right exposure and power setting combination.

[Phra Ek]

Here's the results of my very low cost lighting set up ....

Cheap optical slave unit in front of model.

Off camera Nissin flash using radio trigger off to the left.

Manual setting to overexpose the background. Adjust flash power manually 'till it looks about right.

Edited December 4, 2014 by Phra Ek

[MJP]

Now hear this . . .

Yongnuo YN560 Mk IV has a built in 2.4Ghz transceiver. This means the flash can be triggered using the Yongnuo YN 560-TX transceiver.

The flash can be had for £45 delivered and the transceiver for £27.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141337935945

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111532165941

That means you can do a six speedlight strobist system for under £300.

[rhythmworx]

The yongnuo's have a short lifespan though and have colour balance inconsistencies at different power settings, allegedly

Buy cheap, pay twice.

Although I haven't heard any bad words about their wireless triggers though.