Everything I learned about off-camera flash came from only two sources – Strobist.com and my good friend and fellow KPS member, Barrie Tovey , who kindly taught the basics of studio lighting in 2004 when I returned photography after a 10-year sabbatical.
Having browsed the websites and read the books, you might assume that what you need to start is a wireless or infra-red trigger and a good flashgun like those lovely Nikon SB-600s, Canon 580EX’s or Vivitar 285HV’s.
That’s an investment of around £200 minimum.
Nope.
What you need is a flash (pc) sync socket on your camera (free), or a hot shoe with a pc sync socket (£5 from Ebay for most cameras), a pc sync cable (usually free with a flash gun) and an old flash.
The flash specification? you need one with a pc sync socket. Buy one from a boot fair. You should be able to pick one up from 50p. That’s it. You’re done, you a fully equipped no-budget-strobist, ready to take on the world with your dramatic portraiture.
Need to moderate the flash power? then move the flash away from your model. Need a snoot? Steal a Pringles tube from the children.
Health Warning: DON’T whatever you do, attach your boot fair flash directly into the hotshoe on your camera. It will probably fritz your camera!
Enjoy
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