Are you a master with using one flash?

10 years 4 days ago #374937 by Jessa Layton
I think we all get into gear acquisition moods and want to buy more of anything to fill our bags with.  I ran across this 31 year photography pro last week and one thing led to another, then we started talking about flash photography.  I told him I was shopping for another flash, which would make #2 for me, and he asked if I was expert with using one.  I was honest and told him "No".  He brought up something that really stuck with me.  "Learn to master the light from one flash, and maximize with bounce cards, then look at adding another one. 

This seems so obvious, but something I overlooked.  Do you consider yourself a master or is this something you are working on too? 


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10 years 4 days ago #374944 by Happy Snapper
I own a couple speedlights and definitely agree with what you had been told. I wouldn't say I'm an expert, but I do understand how to use them.  Frankly for most of my work, I'm just using one speedlight only.  

Gripped Nikon D810 --- Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 --- Sigma 10-20mm f/4 --- Nikon 50mm f/1.4 --- SB600
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10 years 4 days ago #374947 by KCook
Nope, not a master, and do not expect I ever will be.  I do have multiple lights, but only one of those is a speedlight.  Of course bouncing works.  Additional lights also work.  Why is this distinction so important?

Kelly

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

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10 years 4 days ago #375005 by Glen Martin
I'm using just one flash and far from an expert!  I enjoy flash photography, but tend to walk on the side of rookie :rofl:


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10 years 4 days ago #375030 by Don Fischer
Yes I am a master of using one flash! Unfortunately  as a photographer I suck!


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10 years 3 days ago #375113 by Soccer Mom
Well that's smart advice.  Learn what you have before buying more.  I'm OK with my flash, but wouldn't consider myself an expert with flash.  

Canon 7D, 18-55mm, 55-250mm, 70-200mm L f/2.8, 100mm and 17-55mm f/2.8
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10 years 3 days ago #375206 by Camera Diva

Soccer Mom wrote: Well that's smart advice.  Learn what you have before buying more.  I'm OK with my flash, but wouldn't consider myself an expert with flash.  



+1 same here

At the beginning of time there was absolutely nothing. And then it exploded! - Terry Pratchett
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10 years 3 days ago #375212 by Alan Nunez

Don Fischer wrote: Yes I am a master of using one flash! Unfortunately  as a photographer I suck!


Ha, I am pretty good with a flash but I suck at many other parts of photography. I found it good to learn how to use my flash on manual to really understand what is going on.


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10 years 3 days ago #375216 by JeremyS
I am working on mastering flash. Its something I'd like to get better at because it is something that is able to bring your photography from good, to great. 


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10 years 3 days ago #375245 by Stealthy Ninja
Kinda stupid to be honest.  How can you have a key light and a hair light using one flash and reflectors (or "bounce cards" as OP put it).

Master one flash all you like, but having another source of light on hand when needed is always a good thing.
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10 years 3 days ago #375266 by MYoung

Stealthy Ninja wrote: Kinda stupid to be honest.  How can you have a key light and a hair light using one flash and reflectors (or "bounce cards" as OP put it).

Master one flash all you like, but having another source of light on hand when needed is always a good thing.




That's what I was thinking, when you start refracting light from one source, the power takes a fall.  


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9 years 11 months ago - 9 years 11 months ago #377151 by Simon Says
I am pretty good with a flash but I suck at many other parts of photography.


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9 years 11 months ago #377243 by Jim Photo

Simon Says wrote: I am pretty good with a flash but I suck at many other parts of photography.


That's one way of putting it!  I'm in the same boat, pretty good understanding of using a flash, but there is so much more to learn!


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