Quick Tour
For many photographers, the small pop-up flashes on many prosumer cameras are the first electronic flashes they use. These built-in flashes do a fair job of introducing you to the concept of fill flash. They can also be somewhat effective for creating catch-lights in a subject’s eyes or for brightening small, shadowy areas. That’s where the benefits start to trail off.
Due to their small size and close proximity to the lens axis, pop-up flashes are prone to overexpose subjects that are too close to the camera. When pop-up flashes are used as the main light source, they create harsh shadows. After dealing with these limitations, most photographers are ready to make the leap into the world of external flash units like those in the Canon Speedlite System.
In this Quick Tour, I get you up to speed quickly, introduce you to some key Speedlite features, and encourage you to start exploring what’s possible with your new flash!
Model Taylor Anderson photographed using one 580EX II Speedlite fired through a Lastolite TriGrip diffusion panel above and camera left. A gold Lastolite TriGrip reflector was used below and camera right. Exposure: ISO 200, f/2.8, 1/160 second with an EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM lens.
Getting Up and Running Quickly
As with any new piece of photography gear, you’ll want to start using your new Canon Speedlites right away. All you really need to do is pop ...
