casesforiphone5

A flashgun is an essential bit of kit for the serious photographer. Unfortunately, when mounted on a Fire Compatible Speedlight and pointed directly at someone's face it can give some unpleasant results. You've probably seen them yourself, flat lighting, harsh shadows, shiny skin and red eyes to name a few.

There are two possible solutions to this. One is to bounce your flash off a ceiling or nearby wall. The second, who gives more control, is to get the flashgun off the camera completely.

For an off camera flashgun you'll need five things:

1. A flashgun with a decent output. Look for the 'Guide Number' (GN) to find out how much power your unit puts out. For example a Nikon SB800 Speedlight has a Nikon Wireless Control System, that's plenty, if it's a higher GN that's even better. You'll probably be able to pick up an older secondhand flashgun of any make for very little money. It doesn't have to be compatible with your camera, you just need to be able to set the output manually.

2. A light modifier. This can be an umbrella, a small softbox or various other purpose built products. This is used to soften, direct and control the quality of your light. I normally use a 48" umbrella with a detachable silver lining. You can either fire the flash into the umbrella or remove the lining and shoot through it, giving two distinct qualities of light.

3. A bracket to fix the flashgun and umbrella on to a stand. I've only found one product that is ideal for this: the Bogen 2905 Swivel Umbrella Adapter f/Super Clamp' made by Manfrotto. You'll also need one other small hotshoe mount adaptor to connect the flashgun to the bracket, available in most camera stores.

4. A means of High Speed Flash Trigger. This will probably depend on your budget. The cheapest way of doing it is with a cord attached between the PC socket (if you have one) of your camera and the flashgun. Radio triggers are my preferred option. You can get a very cheap set off eBay for about 20.00 pounds or pay a few hundred for a more professional unit. You can also use infra red slave triggers and other built in systems. Have a look at your flashgun and see what it can do.

Next you need to set your light up. Put up the stand, attach the bracket and fit the flash and umbrella. Connect your chosen trigger and test. You should now have a very versatile portable lighting system.

If you enjoy portraiture this is a great way to ensure you have a quality light source available at all times. You can make your shots look like they were taken in a studio or you can give them a really natural look, the possibilities are endless. Get that flash off your camera today! To find more details, please visit voeloon.com