New to flash photography / YN560 question

Hi all,

I've been shooting DSLR photography as a hobby for a few years, and just received a Yongnuo YN560 flash as a Christmas gift.

My question is: if this is my first time using a hotshoe-mounted flash unit, and I know next-to-nothing about using them, is this the right unit for me?

My main goal is to get much better light output than the simple on-board flash built into my 40D while doing on-the-go photography of my kids. I'm not going to be setting up softboxes or reflectors or any of that.

I've heard some people recommend ETTL flashes like the Canon EX430, and others suggest full manual (like the YN560). Which is a better way for me to get started?

Along those same lines, I'd like to hear some recommendations of books and/or websites where I can learn the basics of decent single-flash photography. Thanks!

Get an ETTL flash for goodness sake.
It's alot easier you always have the option of going manual then.
Also you can use the flash in auto and the camera in manual which is quite nice as the ETTL automatically fills out the gap in light compared to what you set the exposure to.

I currently have a 580EX II which fills all my needs, i gave away my 430EX II to a cousin because i use studio strobes if i do anything complicated. Also studio strobes are about as expensive as Canon flashes anyway and are much easier to use in a controlled setting.

In any case what you need the most on a hotshoe flash is a moveable flash head because you'll be bouncing that thing whenever you'r indoors to get much nicer light.

That Yongnuo was made for off-camera flash, it's not an ideal on-camera flash.

http://strobist.blogsp​ot.ca …drive-yongnuo-yn-560.html