Flash Technique Tutorials

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

Now that I've got my Canon Digital Rebel XT, Canon Speedlites 550 EX
and 420 EX, I'm ready to start taking indoor shots with the added
creative touch of a two flash system. However, as a former film SLR
shooter with one non-dedicated flash and old 1980's technology, I'm a
bit overwhelmed by the new system.

I'd like to exert some creative control, so putting everything on Auto
or P is not my plan. Is there a tutuorial or book which anyone out
there can recommend, which can help me through this process. A Canon
specific workshop would be preferred, but I'm not too much of a dolt
that I couldn't transfer more generic knowledge to my new system.

Any suggestions?

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

<GovtLawyer@AOL.com> wrote in message
news:1115954721.070782.108370@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
> Now that I've got my Canon Digital Rebel XT, Canon Speedlites 550 EX
> and 420 EX, I'm ready to start taking indoor shots with the added
> creative touch of a two flash system. However, as a former film SLR
> shooter with one non-dedicated flash and old 1980's technology, I'm a
> bit overwhelmed by the new system.
>
> I'd like to exert some creative control, so putting everything on Auto
> or P is not my plan. Is there a tutuorial or book which anyone out
> there can recommend, which can help me through this process. A Canon
> specific workshop would be preferred, but I'm not too much of a dolt
> that I couldn't transfer more generic knowledge to my new system.
>
> Any suggestions?
>

You are right Auto or Program is not the way to go.

Manual is best, and strange as it may seem set the guns to Manual also.
You need to be able to control everything about the lighting.

Get that lighting book, and 2 Flash Brollies.

Read up on a couple of simple lighting set ups, chat up an interesting
looking lady, (interesting is much better than pretty), and try them out.

Do not take up too much of her time, on the first attempt, and make sure she
enjoys it. If she does then she might well return for another session to let
you correct all the mistakes you made on the first one.

Portraiture is one of the most demanding types of photography, both
technically and artistically, and is also great fun, once you build up trust
between you and your model.

Roy G