Lessons
Class Introduction
06:17 2Defining Flash Photography
09:43 3Camera Setup: Metering
03:58 4Camera Setup: Exposure Mode
04:36 5Camera Setup: Flash Synchronization
06:35 6Camera Setup: Shutter Speed
10:00 7Camera Setup: Aperture
10:22 8Camera Setup: White Balance
10:53Flash Settings: TTL
07:52 10Flash Settings: Manual
06:03 11Flash Settings: TTL Flash Power
02:51 12Types of Flashes
03:10 13Philosophy of Single Flash
08:10 14Considerations for On-Camera Flash
11:44 15Shoot: Common Mistakes
14:03 16Shoot: Using Domes
21:41 17Shoot: Using Flash Benders
04:25 18Shoot: Snoots
04:26 19Shoot: Light Sphere
04:32 20Shoot: Event Photography
09:51 21Understanding TTL Cables
08:58 22Understanding Wireless Triggers
26:15 23Cable and Triggering Q&A
23:08 24Uses of Modifiers: Umbrellas
08:44 25Shoot: Using an Umbrella
27:08 26Shoot: Using a Softbox
31:11 27Shoot: Using an Octabox
06:01 28Shoot: Using a Beauty Dish
17:54Lesson Info
Types of Flashes
So we've got OEM-style flashes, meaning original equipment manufacturers. You've got, you know, the Nikons and the Canons and the Sonys. Basically, these are dedicated to that brand. So you can't necessarily put a Canon flash on a Nikon camera and expect to get all the functionality out of it. These flashes are the most expensive speed lights you'll buy typically. There are some others, you know, from like Metz that may be a little bit more expensive; but typically you're paying 300 to 600 bucks for these. I talked this morning to some of the folks in the audience; and some of you have, like, the Canon, the 600EX or maybe the 430EX. Most of my flashes, I paid 300 to 500 bucks for them. So they're not cheap; they work really well. They integrate with every function of the camera. So if you wanna make sure that the flash is always gonna work with your camera, buy a Nikon flash for the Nikon camera. We also have what I would call higher-end, third party flashes; and these are flashes, you...
'll find them on Amazon. You'll find them on eBay. Typically companies like Flashpoint. Flashpoint is, I think that's Adorama. You know, B&H, they also have their kind of house flash; and these are what I would call fully dedicated. They actually integrate very well with the Nikon system. They work very well with the Canon system or the Fuji or Olympus. They're designed to work with that camera body. So, but they're about a third to a half of what the big, kind of, Nikon or Canon flashes are. So I have, I actually, I actually don't have any of these style of flashes. They work well, though; they do. They work really well, and don't shy away from them. It's a way, it's a great way to save money on your flash, especially if you wanna get into two, three, or four flashes in your system. Then we get into what I would call the budget, budget flashes; and these also work great. I was on Amazon the other day and I saw, there's this huge, like, this new world of flash photography, 30 bucks for the, what's called the Amazon basics flash; 30 bucks! You know, Altura, Neewer, all of these other, I think they're probably made in China or Taiwan; I'm not sure exactly where they are, but they're all imports. They actually do work pretty good; but, remember, you get what you pay for, you know. You may not get longevity. The buttons may not always work properly. But if you don't need a fully dedicated, like a full TTL or wireless control, this could be a really good way to go. I own some of these. In fact, that one I have over here, I think, was like a $35 flash; and I've used it in my system, and I'll talk about the limitations later today. So you can get other flashes; and you don't have to spend a ton of money on other flashes, especially if you're shooting manual flash mode.
Class Materials
Bonus Materials with Purchase
Ratings and Reviews
Yasemin Soyen
First of all I am very happy to discover Creative Live and since then I learned, enjoyed many classes! This week for the first time I was in the live audience and their sincerity, hospitality made the experience even more valuable. About this class, it was a pleasure to meet Mike Hagen. Besides his wide knowledge, creative thinking and information sharing, he was a very humble, nice teacher, with great positive energy. Thanks everyone!
Mark
Fantastic course - Mike is an engaging and entertaining teacher and this course was just what I needed to start using my external flash with confidence. I have had my external flash for a few years but have rarely used it as mastering all the settings was daunting and the results I got were inconsistent. This excellent course changed all that and I'm having great fun taking much better shots with my flash. I highly recommend!
Candy Smith
This class was fantastic. Mike is excellent under pressure when things don't go perfectly, love his style and grace and how encouraging he is to his models, great mentor. I learned so much about using flash, and my pictures are so much better.