3
3
CHAPTER
Flash
Photography
Basics
This chapter goes over some of the basic information
you should know when starting out with flash photog-
raphy. For those of you who aren’t new to using external flash
or the CLS, much of this may be a review— but you might
learn a thing or two about your Speedlights and how to best
use them. If you are new to the CLS then this chapter is a
great resource for you and a great reference tool as you
experiment and practice with your new Speedlight or
Speedlights.
Speedlights versus Studio
Strobes
There are many reasons why you’d want to use Speedlights
instead of studio strobes. That being said, there are also many
reasons to use studio strobes. Each type of light has its own
strong points. When deciding what type of lighting to get you
really need to look at what you’ll be using it for.
If you know you are traveling with your lighting setup, the
portability of the Speedlights comes in handy. If you have a
studio and you need a lot of light for big subjects, studio
strobes may be the way to go.
This isn’t to say you need one or the other. Most professional
photographers use both. I own both studio strobes and
Speedlights. When I go out to shoot on location, you can bet
that I don’t drag out those heavy old Speedotrons.
✦✦✦✦
In This Chapter
Basics of lighting
Color temperature and
white balance
Using bounce flash
Using close up and
macro flash
Explaining flash
exposure
✦✦✦✦
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