Speedlite course

[Rose]

I was annoyed to have missed the first meeting of the season last night due to a series of signal failures ruining my journey home

Today I'm off up to London for a Speedlite course with http://www.photoionschool.co.uk/
Thought it was high time I learned how to use my flash LOL I've heard good things about this tutor and I'll let you know how I get on. And if I get some decent results no doubt they will be appearing in this year's comps

[Mike Farley]

Hi Rose

Thanks for the update; I look forward to learning your views about the course.

It is not necessary to spend large amounts of money on strobe kit and David Candlish made some very useful suggestions in the post which is linked below. We were successfully using similar gear, which was purchased on the basis of Dave's good advice, for the model shoot at the end of last season.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=282

[Rose]

I had a fab day - Ion Paciu is a great tutor and really inspiring. There were only two of us on the day - the other participant being a lady of similar age, which was rather nice It was full on, and fast paced, I can't believe how quickly the time went and I'll definitely consider doing another course with Ion in the future.

I finally know how to use my flash I learned how to use it on camera, with and without other light sources (natural and artificial), and also how to use from one to several wireless units in a studio set-up. Ion also said that he uses cheap strobe units as they are just as capable, whilst not giving you as much control over flash exposure. (they are usually regulated in only full stops whereas Canon/Nikon units are in thirds). We had a lovely model with us who was a pleasure to work with and I'm really pleased with the shots I managed to get. Here's a couple...

Cheryl 1 by Rose Atkinson, on Flickr

Cheryl 5 by Rose Atkinson, on Flickr

[Mike Farley]

Thanks for the feedback, Rose. Nice shots.

One way to exercise fine control of the output from cheap strobes is simply to move them closer or further away from the subject as required.

[Rose]

Yes, we did some of that too