Ep 89 Your guide to buying and using speedlights and accessories

Photo-Ep89-artwork

If you haven’t used speedlights much, it can be daunting to know where to start, which ones to pick and when you would find them most effective. But they can enhance your shots significantly if you use them.

In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss what you need to know about speedlights, practical applications for when they can add magic to your shots, recommendations on which ones to use and accessories that will make them even easier to use.

#ginachallenge #dook

Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes you can get the feed here, or listen to us on Stitcher radio.

Show notes

Useful links

Amazing DIY Lighting setup from Lorenzo Photographer: Lorenzo Pickett:
How to achieve amazing catch lights in the eyes pt3

Camera Gear
5D MarkII
70-200mmF/2.8 USMII
64GB Transcend CF Card
Tripod Gitzo G 2220
Avenger D520L 40″ Extension Pole
Avenger D200 Grip Head
Avenger E650 Baby Pin 8″
Manfrotto Super Clamp

Lighting
18′ Diva Ring Light 500w
Lithonia Lighting Shop light: 4′ Fluorescent lighting 2 Tube Housing 64w
4′ Fluorescent lighting 4 Tube Housing 128w
Unitary Retro Style Edison Bulbs E26

Listener Question from Daniella Moné‎
Hi Gina. I am wondering how you would take on the challenge of this image. Would you do small groups or get a big space to shoot it all at once. This young lady contacted me she wants this type of shoot for her birthday. So far many photographers have said no to her. I have a small at home studio where my maximum would be 3 people at a time. Looking forward to your reply. Thank you.

Above: image by Daniella Moné‎

Your guide to buying and using speedlights and accessories

What is a speedlight?

A speedlight is a type of flash that can connect directly to a camera via hot shoe or a cable. It communicates directly with the camera and can calculate the correct amount of fill light needed in any situation.

The term speedlight is actually the Nikon brand name for on-camera portable flashes, but it has become a generic name, much like Chapstick, Frisbee, and Jeep. Canon calls its on-camera flashes “Speedlites.” When I use the term speedlight, I’m referring to any brand of on-camera flash system that is hot shoe-mounted.

Why do you need one?

There are times when shooting ISO 4000 doesn’t cut it!

  • Not as slick
  • Catch lights
  • Colour casts
  • Group shots
  • Pro level PR shoots
  • Better quality of light
  • Off camera speedlights can be game changers

What’s the best way to use speedlight on camera?

  • Speedlight
  • Trigger
  • Modifier
  • Stand
  • Overpower the sun
  • Add DOOK of light
  • Add bling to hair
  • Add light to the background

How much should you spend on a speedlight?

Ask yourself: what are you shooting?

If you shoot weddings, events, or sport, pay a bit extra for bells and whistles like:

  • TTL
  • High-speed sync
  • Battery indicator
  • Water seals
  • Build quality

But if you an enthusiast starting out buy knock offs or buy second hand like:
Under 200 Yongnuo or Shanny
200-500 LumoPro LP180R
500+ SB-910 $550 or Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT

Accessories

Triggers
Use something like a Yuongnuo trigger YN RF602 over a pocket wizard with speedlights

Brackets for TTL

Battery packs vs AA vs rechargeable

Good batteries change EVERYTHING

Get rechargeable eniloop

Battery packs

Multiple flash mounts

Gels

Gobos

Awesome modifiers for speedlights

image00

Softboxes

Ring lights

Grids

#ginachallenge #dook

How to direct and pose like a pro

About Gina

About Gina

Gina Milicia is one of the most widely known and respected photographers in Australia. She is the master of capturing that ‘magical moment’... READ MORE

instagram Instagram