Using flash for the first time can be quite daunting which is understandable. However, if you take your photography seriously or are looking to earn money from it then you will need to conquer your fears. The best way of course is to just do it! So, having taken the decision to press ahead and learn some new tricks here are a few tips to get you started.
Think of the light from a flash unit as water from a hose. You can spray narrow and harsh or sprinkle it wide. You point it in different directions for different effects.
Bounce flash of walls and other surfaces, but remember it will pick up some of the colour off of the bounced surface.
Your shutter speed controls the ambient light and the aperture controls the light on the subject. Use the ISO to also control the ambient light.
Don't use your flash on full power unless you have to as you'll quickly drain the battery and slow the recharge rate. Increase the ISO (even up to 4000) to help in reducing the flash power.
Above all, experiment, experiment, experiment!
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