Wow - What a difference a flash makes :)

So today I got my 430EX flash in (this is for Canon) and read about 4 pages of the manual before I got too anxious to shoot and started practicing on my son.

I must say, before I was a bit hesitant to spend about $230 or so on something that makes light, but now I see it was money very well spent!

Here are three shots I thought I would share. This is all taken with a 40D, 28-135 kit lens and 430EX flash.

If anyone else is wondering whether getting a flash will be worth it - I think the answer is a big yes I can't wait to experiment with still life.

All shots just bounced off the ceiling. I have a lot to learn, but the basics were surprisingly easy!



Here I think I messed up and had it tilted too forward - His face looks a little "flashy", but I love the expression



Here I overcompensate the tilt - No catchlight! Still, enough detail in the shadows (with some nudging of Fill Light in Lightroom) that I like it



Ahh, here we are, just right! He smiles at mom as she walks by and I get a good shot after just a slight crop Ignore the mess on his face, he smeared rice cereal on himself haha


Overall I'm having a blast already and I'm thinking of new things to try.

Oh, and consider yourself lucky! Pentax can use onboard flash for commander, unlike my camera!

But, I think we are photographers first, so regardless of brand, flashes are a good thing! Thanks for reading.

[little laker]

I could have told you what a difference they make around 4 months ago, when I made the same move

Oh, cool shots. That looks like one natural model.

[Taff]

great shots mate, i think the second two may be a little underexposed

[Taff]

oops and try using a diffuser to try and diffuse those harsh shadows on the face (notice the panda eyes?)

[rmtagg]

awe, how cute Flash can be great

[cputeq]

Originally Posted by Taff

oops and try using a diffuser to try and diffuse those harsh shadows on the face (notice the panda eyes?)

Yes I have a Sto-Fen coming in eventually, I'm wanting to test it out to see how much it helps

[vievetrick]

I love the bounce flash!! It opens a hole new world of shooting. Great shots.

[egordon99]

Cute shots! I have the 580EXII and it's pretty much always on my camera.