Could anyone give me some advice on selecting a good easy to understand self-help book on flash photography and lighting for digital cameras. ( I own a Canon 30D)
I want to learn about flash equipment and the use of remote triggers, slaves, and the accessories (ie. holders, reflectors, etc. etc) involved.
My ultimate goal is to improve my flash shots beyond my usual " bounce and hope" method. I would also like information on actual set-ups, accessories, and equipment so as to enable me to understand what today's market is offering and how to make intelligent, informed purchases.
Note: I'm not intending to create a studio. I guess I'm aiming at the "event photography" type of ligtht usage. Since I keep getting volunteered to be the photographer at my family's events such as birthdays, Thanksgiving, etc,etc, I'm thinking I would realy like to produce better results than I have been.
There were all 5 star reviews and I liked the preview chapter.
He has detailed lighting plans for all shots and walks you through his shooting style. In addition, there is a good deal of coverage of wireless triggers, modifiers, cameras, lenses etc to address your equipment concerns.
While I liked his overall approach, I have to say I don't care for his images. I found them super cheesy. Some were downright weird. I also didn't care for the fact that so many of his shots require or at least take strong advantage of one or more assistants.
If you can get past those issues, I think you'll find the book a great resource.
I just read it cover to cover on a recent vacation (first time I chose a nonfiction over a good novel for plane flight). Tons of information in a very easy to read style. You HAVE to start here. (ok, maybe not Have to, but you should). Then there is the strobist website. I typically like to read a book before I begin practicing (beginning the strobist website now), but that is just my style.
Not only does this allow me a few online options to sort of "prep" myself , it also provides me with a number of the books that look like they will be excellent choices for me to improve my skills.
Up to this point I must confess that my approach towards photography has been a creative adventure of avoiding any occasion where a flash would be required. Whenever a flash became absolutely necessary, I regretfully found myself producing "snapshots" instead of "photographs". I began to hide my camera on these occasions.
Hopefully I am now on the path towards becoming a more complete photographer.
I do lot of event photography. Try reading on WWW.NIELVN.COM, he teaches lot of flash techniques. You can try books from Bryan Peterson as well. They might not give you about the equipment descriptions, they give you idea about flash photography.
