Book recommendations.

James Thomas 75

James Thomas 75

Suspended / Banned
Messages
693
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi everyone.

My main photography interests have always been landscape and motorsport.
But recently I've taken to doing a few candid portraits of my family; which has really made my interest grow in taking some portraits.

Having only shot landscape and motorsport; my experience in flash photography is pretty much non existent- as is my knowledge on the subject!

So,would anyone be able to recommend some good books (with in depth descriptions would be a bonus :)) to get me up and running,please?

Many thanks in advance,for any replies.
 
Last edited:
It depends what kind of flash and what kind of portraits you're thinking of.

Speedlighters handbook by Syl Arena

The Hotshoe Diaries by Joe McNally

For lighting geekery there's Light Science and Magic.

There's loads of useful stuff on the web too, but a few more details about what you have and what you want to achieve would help.
 
Speedlighters handbook by Syl Arena
Click to expand...

I have this book, very informative and written in a way that makes it easily understood. Still can't get any enthusiasm for flash or artificial light photography, not this book's fault though
 
Phil V said:
It depends what kind of flash and what kind of portraits you're thinking of.

Speedlighters handbook by Syl Arena

The Hotshoe Diaries by Joe McNally

For lighting geekery there's Light Science and Magic.

There's loads of useful stuff on the web too, but a few more details about what you have and what you want to achieve would help.
Click to expand...

Thanks very much for the reply,Phil.

To be honest,basically anything better than I already know. So I assume that's literally from 'scratch'...

I have a 430 EX,which I've been experimenting with on a trial and error basis (with extremely mixed results) bouncing off walls and ceilings with my subjects etc.

My kit comprises of a 17-40; 24-70 II; a 70-200 II; and most recently a 100mm Macro IS with a 5D3.

Apologies again,for the vague description. But as previously mentioned,I have literally no knowledge on this as I currently stand :)
 
tijuana taxi said:
I have this book, very informative and written in a way that makes it easily understood. Still can't get any enthusiasm for flash or artificial light photography, not this book's fault though
Click to expand...

Easily understood sounds just what I need... ;)
 
It's pretty much Canon orientated, but still very applicable (not really the word I'm thinking of, but you get the idea) to all brands of flash

*edit* relevant is the word or should that be *Grease*
 
Last edited:
Get the book :thumbs: It's Canon-centric so spot on for you, but for anyone else reading, just change the model numbers and it applies to Nikon etc just as well.

Syl Arena covers everything, which is just what you want when starting out, though if people/portraits is likely the main area of interest, then you won't go far wrong getting a stand, umbrella, umbrella/stand adapter, white/silver reflector, and an off-camera trigger of some sort (eg Yongnuo 603) and take it from there. You could get all that for under £100.

Speedlites are very capable in all kinds of situations, though I would also say that if you have mains power available, studio heads have some key advantages. They recycle fast, have modelling lamps to show you what the light is doing, and more power if you need it. Something like a Lencarta Smartflash-2 is just the job for £110. Studio heads and speedlites also work well together.
 
Thanks very much for your help everyone. Much appreciated.
I've ordered the latest 2nd edition version off of Amazon. Just hope I can understand it...:)
 
Try looking at some Youtube videos as well. I found a few that helped clarify points that I was struggling with.
 
Giles2373 said:
Try looking at some Youtube videos as well. I found a few that helped clarify points that I was struggling with.
Click to expand...
I found the Gavin Hoey ones for Adorama TV pretty good. Nice bite sized chunks of information for off camera flash
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top