Off Camera Flash Help!

Hi, I'm new and I've been taking pictures for a few years now. I'm interested in getting an off camera flash. I do a lot of senior pictures and find a need for it at times. Can anyone recommend one. Something portable and can be used outside. I've done a lot of research but I'm not sure what would be best. Thanks any insight would help!

3lilmonkeys wrote in post #12213874
Hi, I'm new and I've been taking pictures for a few years now. I'm interested in getting an off camera flash. I do a lot of senior pictures and find a need for it at times. Can anyone recommend one. Something portable and can be used outside. I've done a lot of research but I'm not sure what would be best. Thanks any insight would help!

Welcome to POTN
What has your research told you? There are a ton of threads on here about this very thing; there is even a section on photosharing > people > devoted to senior portraits, you can learn a lot about lighting they used and get great posing ideas. You've asked a very vague question without providing a ton of information, so maybe the best thing to do is to look at your own images and ask yourself how flash would've helped? In some instances, you may only need a 430EX II, which are great little flashes and talk to your camera. Other scenarios call for a much more powerful strobe. I hope this helps point you in a good direction or two!

Yes, welcome to POTN. For many purposes a Speedlite 430EX II or the somewhat more powerful 580EX II do a very good job. However, you will want to get them off of the camera for more pleasing lighting. If you have a 60D, 7D, or T3i, you can use the on-camera pop-up flash for wireless control. If not, Canon sells an extension cord that lets you get the flash about 2 feet away from the lens.

Thank you both for the information...both very helpful! Does the 5D have wireless flash control?

3lilmonkeys wrote in post #12215045
Thank you both for the information...both very helpful! Does the 5D have wireless flash control?

I may not understand the question completely, but the flash control for wireless comes from the flash itself via infrared, or from a transmitter. That menas the camera model just needs to work with whatever is attached physically.

The 5D does not have a built in wireless flash controller like that found in the 7D, or 60D (no popup flash for it to use).