advise on flash(es)

[Christel_B]

I do not have any flash right now except for my on camera one...

I do not have a ton of money to work with.. in fact I cannot buy anything right now unless I can get a heck of a deal for around $25 or $30 lol. I am thinking in a month or two I will have $100-$150...

I do not know much about flashes.. I like to shoot outside for the most part but am starting to do a little more portrait pictures where a flash or two will help with shadows.

I obviously want something with a rotating head so I can bounce it...

What brands should I stay away from? My dream is of course a Speedlite.. but I do not have unlimited funds like I wish I did. lol

[fastdiablo]

you might consider a one flash, off-camera setup. maybe like a vivitar 285 on a stand with an umbrella and a reflector on the other side for fill. forego the wireless for a good old fashion sync cord and you're done for less than $150-200 new.
you could do some pretty serious portrait work, and all that would be really inexpensive, especially if you find some used stuff.

check out www.strobist.com and www.onelightworkshop.com for some inspiration. i found those sites useful. oh, and also this link i just posted for someone else that came from curtis' signature http://planetneil.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/1-natural-looking-flash/

a good source for really inexpensive starter flash kits is www.mpex.com look for their kits -one is called "starving student" or something. i used them -good folks, same day shipping...