What is the one thing....

[SamHunter]

you would recommend to a flash newbie who just got his first 580ex II as far as purchases go. I've tried the bouncing technique and like it, but I've already run into times when it wasn't usable, like very high ceiling and outdoors...

I've looked at LumiQuest diffusers, on camera softboxes... and I can't settle on anything. I actually kinda get nervous when I even think about it.

I've searched around the forums, but I'd still love some responses.

[doidinho]

A stand, umbrella, and radio trigger. You could just get a stand and trigger, but the umbrella is just another $25-$30 and gives you more options.

From there I would say then make a snoot and buy a reflector; you could even just get a large piece of foamcore instead of paying for a reflector at this point. You can take some professional quality photos with a single flash, stand, umbrella, trigger, and a couple pieces of foamcore.

After you do all this and play around you will start to know what direction you want to go and what modifiers you want, but the stand and trigger are going to be your bread and butter.

[SamHunter]

I definitely will... what about on camera, anything?

[trailblazer]

Probably need to take a read here:
http://www.planetneil.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/

[SamHunter]

Probably need to take a read here:
http://www.planetneil.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/

Just read alot of it, thanks alot