Trying to understand flash more

[SnappyHappy]

Hi Guys,

So i'm thinking flash is going to be next chapter in my latest book of 'getting great images of the kids'

This game is all about light (the penny drops), so I'm trying to understand it a lot more (I should have perhaps made this 'chapter 1' thinking about it!)

I've got my D3000 with my 35mm 1.8 and really enjoying things, but I am starting to realise that a wide aperture really shouldn't be a subsistute for light (I know, I know I learn the hard way).

I really enjoy natural looking portraits (dont we all), and I am keen to use flash, and learning more about fill flash and it's uses, but am I really fighting a lost battle with the D3000's flash - it looks really harsh, and is frankly putting me off using flash and opening up to 1.8 where I can in dim rooms (works good most of the time, but not always....)

Do you think I should look to pick up a SB400/600 something like that? I'm worried i'll still get that 'harsh' look - i'm even thinking about putting tissue paper over the D3000 flash and seeing how that goes (seriously going to try it tonight)

I'm thinking a SB400 (for example is pretty cheap), and will open up new possibilities? Seems a different world, the world of flash...the only thing that puts me off is yet even more kit to carry around

Would appreciate thoughts on this (do a lot of indoors with the kids), and any pointers for better flash technique with just the built in flash of the D3000. I'm using it set to minus 2 places on the +/- strength if that makes sense as i find it too harsh on the normal setting....still not happy though...think I need a gun and bounce it to be honest, just looking for confirmation this might be the case.

Thanks

 

[arad85]

You definitely need to use off-camera flash for "better" pictures. Personally, I started with Strobists 101... An entertaining read and taken in bite sized chunks.

http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/

Then - IMHO - think about some studio flash and modifiers if you have the room. More versatile (assuming you have the space) .

 

[doublemint76]

I wouldn't bother with an sb-400 - nice and small is the best thing about it, but for an extra £50 you can grab an sb-600 which gives you so much more power and versatility. Get it off camera and use nikons cls.

 

[boliston]

I was pretty unhappy with my built in flash until I found out how to actually control it rather than having it on the default "auto" setting

I have "assigned" the function button (on the front of the camera) to directly control the built in flash and I can now select the precise power from 1/1 down to 1/128 so no more of the nasty "harsh" flash for me

 

[Sebastian]

Craig, flash is something that I use a lot. I have 6 flashguns, all of them are not Nikon. Have a look at Nissin range, very good flashes for with more power for less money.

There is plenty of articles on the net about lighting the scene with flash, but strobist.com is a great starting point!
You will find how to create your first lighting kit (flash, bracket, umbrella, stand, cable or wireless trigger) and make some great shots!

 

[milster]

I'm only just starting to use flash and I've just bought a Nissin di622 and I'm very happy with it. I managed to pick it up off ebay for £62.

 

[SnappyHappy]

Thank you all very much for replying - a lot of reading this weekend(and photos of course!) cheers