Reddit mentions of Speedliter's Handbook: Learning to Craft Light with Canon Speedlites (LIVRE ANGLAIS)

You absolutely need to get yourself a copy of this book (Speedliter's Handbook, by Syl Arena). In addition to the already mentioned strobist website, you should be ready to tackle most anything coming your way.

Off-camera flash. http://imgur.com/IZ9cYnX

Picture is from this book http://www.amazon.com/Speedliters-Handbook-Learning-Craft-Speedlites/dp/032171105X

I have a single 430EX II and a softbox from CowboyStudio. When deciding on the softbox I read many reviews deriding CowboyStudio's continuous lighting equipment. I cannot attest to the quality of the continuous equipment but I can say that the softbox is a good value. If your camera does not have a built-in wireless trigger, I recommend FlashZebra for TTL cords.

Also, check out Speedlighter's Handbook by Syl Arena for more tips to master flash photograhy.

Are you shooting Canon or Nikon? For Canon get a copy of the Speedliters Handbook. For Nikon get a copy of Hot Shoe Diaries.

Yeah it does stand out from the rest, not only because of the subject and the pose, but because there aren't any environmental cues like the rest (black background). Glad I could be constructive with my comments.

A good starting point is a softbox/umbrella 45 degrees over, 45 degrees up, torso pointed towards the light source, face turned about 45 degrees away from the torso/light source (towards the camera). Keep a ratio of about 2:1 key to fill light (or use a reflector), and if you want to use a rim light or kicker behind the hair for it. Or google Rembrandt lighting, which is similar.

The Syl Arena book is pretty much the gold standard of flash photography:
http://www.amazon.com/Speedliters-Handbook-Learning-Craft-Speedlites/dp/032171105X

Neil V's Tangents blog is a great online resource:
http://neilvn.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/

And of course there is strobist.com

Some of the BH photos are amazing resources. Here are a few (with differing levels of relevance):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5byuHJ9uBns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWhi4I20s10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eoi5uxZq7z8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtcD84l9eUw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9RQ6YPVWhA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJHfT7lYqCo&list=FLqfXHErKeDtB3zYN9zaNfmg&index=3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxPkxS_ezVg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcpRdrVrtz0

Cheers!

Read Understanding Exposure and Speedliter's Handbook.

This book is excellent on all aspects of lighting: Speedliter's Handbook: Learning to Craft Light with Canon Speedlites - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/032171105X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=032171105X&linkCode=as2&tag=digitalphot09-21

I don't feel 100% confident with my flash, but I know the basics of how to use it and it's functionality. I own and have read (some of) Speedliter's Handbook - I should probably spend the next hour in a flash crash-course.


EDIT: PM me if you have video questions. I'd love to help.

also speedliter's handbook has been highly recommended if you ever get a speedlite as it is written exclusively for canon and its flash system.

check out the strobist blog as well for more flash related things

*edit:grammar

I recommend picking up this book, Speedliter's Handbook: Learning to Craft Light with Canon Speedlites.

You'll learn a variety of techniques you'll be able to use in a wide range of situations.

E-TTL doesn't know the visual intent of the photographer. Depending on what camera mode and metering zone you have selected, E-TTL could be way off-base. FEC is necessary most of the time. Don't believe me? Why don't you ask the guy who wrote the book on the subject: http://www.amazon.com/Speedliters-Handbook-Learning-Craft-Speedlites/dp/032171105X