Why would I want my flash off camera?
By David Cooley
12 Oct 2009
Have you ever looked at some killer images and thought how did they do THAT! Possibly the photographer had his flash off camera or used a studio light. There are some major advantages to getting your flash off camera and you can create studio lighting with a small speedlight and a splash of creativity.
You are going to need a flash that has manual capabilities. There are a lot of options out there, but for the sake of this article, please just make sure it has "M" mode and can be dialed in at various power levels. What this means is you will be driving the car instead of just being a passenger. You can create your light exactly how you want it.
You are also going to need a sync cord for starters but will want radio triggers eventually. This will allow your flash to fire right when you press the shutter. Once you have the flash and a way to trigger them, you're ready to play .
The best advice I can give you is go through Lighting 101 http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html and Lighting 102 at www.strobist.com. Also be sure to follow the site as you will constantly be learning more and more.
Final Words
1, Be creative. Once you learn a concept, then get comfortable with it, learn something new. Continue to learn more ways to be creative. Try something. It might work----it might now, but TRY! Move the light more edgy, add a gel, make a snoot on a 2nd flash and pop it like a hair light.
2, Don't give up! You have to commit to lighting properly. Once you start, hang in there. It will take some time to get it to "click". I know David Hobby (DH on the website) says in his videos it's like cooking. First you learn how to make eggs, then you learn how to make spaghetti, then you learn how to make a cake. Then you learn how to IMPROVISE and SUBSTITUTE and it's the same with lighting. At first you're learning concepts, then you learn how to create your own recipes.
4 responses
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Jason Pepe gave props (13 Oct 2009):
Good Job! Strobist is a great place to learn so much. Excellent!
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David Cooley said (13 Oct 2009):
Thanks Jason for the kudos----Sometimes I think it just might be the first time the person has heard of strobist....Appreciate the feedback!
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peggy gardner gave props (14 Oct 2009):
thanks for all the tips !
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David Cooley said (14 Oct 2009):
hey peggy...you're welcome. thanks for reading and commenting. be certain to go read strobist if you want to learn more....THANKS! david//
