newbie to flash/strobing

[Uneducated_Rick]

Looking to get a flash to help with my low light photography.

Am considering a Yongnuo 565 which gives full eTTL as far as I understand it.

In order to be able to get a decent power output without creating really harsh shadows I was considering either taking the flash off camera with a flash arm and synch cable or possible getting a small softbox - what would be benefits/disadvantages of each?

Would even a small softbox (24" square) be too large and cumbersome to be manageable for newbie?

 

[Sebastian]

I would suggest getting the following:

Translucent Umbrella or softbox + stand + flash/umbrella holder + cheap wireless triggers

I think that's the cheapest setup that will give you plenty of creative power.

The size of the light modifier largely depends on the result you're after.

Yongnuo flashes are perfect for practising your flash techniques. Go for it.

 

[Uneducated_Rick]

would using some kind of small softbox/diffuser and going off camera be redundant?

would moving the light source further away have the same effect as diffusing it? would the effect be greater or lesser?

 

[rbrown74]

would using some kind of small softbox/diffuser and going off camera be redundant?

would moving the light source further away have the same effect as diffusing it? would the effect be greater or lesser?

Umbrella and softbox will do a similar job so try an umbella first as they are cheaper!!

Moving the light source further away narrows the light source making the shadows harsher - if you want a softer light you have to make the diffuser area larger or move it closer. Hope this helps!

 

[Garry Edwards]

would using some kind of small softbox/diffuser and going off camera be redundant?

would moving the light source further away have the same effect as diffusing it? would the effect be greater or lesser?

Using 'some kind of small softbox/diffuser has the effect of making the light larger, and therefore softer - but how much difference this will make depends on the size of the diffuser, the size of the subject and the distance between the two, it's about relative size, not actual size so a small diffuser, some distance away, will have A LOT less effect than when it's close up.

Moving it off camera allows you to
1. Get it closer, and therefore produce softer lighting and lose less power
2. Place the light somewhere other than straight on towards the subject, which is usually much better.

would moving the light source further away have the same effect as diffusing it? would the effect be greater or lesser?

Moving the light source further away makes it effectively smaller and will reduce the effect of the diffuser - sometimes to zero.

 

[HoppyUK]

would using some kind of small softbox/diffuser and going off camera be redundant?

would moving the light source further away have the same effect as diffusing it? would the effect be greater or lesser?

Just moving the flash doesn't soften the shadows, it just moves them to where they (may) look more attractive.

The larger the light source, the softer the shadows. And size of the light source is relative to distance, eg the sun is quite big, but as it's a long way off, direct sunlight is very harsh.

When you bounce the flash off a ceiling or wall, this becomes your new and much larger light source. That's why it's softer. Small diffuser accessories like a Stofen don't actually soften the light at all, but they redirect it to nearly surfaces that do when it's bounced back.

What you can do with on-camera accessories is severly restricted by what is practical. You'll have fun with a 24in softbox Have a look at Lumiquest for on-camera stuff.

Edit: LOL Garry got there first

 

[Uneducated_Rick]

thanks for the guidance everyone