550ex and flash photography

I jus tbought a 550EX and am trying to get better with it . I am more aware that my knowledge is limited . Can someone point me to some free web based info on using this flash and plain old Flash photography 101?
Much appreceated(sp?)
Eric

This looked good: http://photonotes.org …s/beginner-faq/flash.html

And this: http://bobatkins.com …q/eosfaq24/3fla​sh.html#q0

And after you've read them, and understand them, you might want to read the Mother Of All Canon Flash FAQs: http://photonotes.org/​articles/eos-flash/

Spend a little cash and get Susan McCartney's "Mastering Flash Photography". It's well worth it.
Scott

Before anyone buys this book, I have two suggestions. First, go look for it at the library. My library had a copy. Second, read the reviews at Amazon. I found many of the reviews salient.

Personally, I did not find the book that helpful. I completely agreed with one of the reviewers that Bob Krist's book, "Secrets of Lighting on Location" is far better.

thank you slin100, I have to repeat I asked for free info. I am not cheap, I have a stack of photography books I read from often and some are really good others just a rehash of the same things. Although I can always use good book recomendations.
Again Thanks to any help.
Eric

I don't recall saying anyone was cheap. Good reading is good reading irrespective of price. I recommend Susan McCartney's book because, while I have alot of books on flash technique, most do not discuss a philosophy or a way of looking at the use of flash. Susan McCartney's book, got me interested in learning more about flash and how to use it in innovative ways. It got me into flash metering and led me to my Quantum Q Flash which I really like.
Regards,
Scott

Books are awesome..... What else evens out the coffee table with the one short leg better than a book?

Sometimes people buy books. Sometimes people buy magazines. Sometimes they buy video tapes. Sometimes people just read everything they can find on the web. Sometimes they sit through a class with a teacher. Sometimes we find a mentor. Sometimes we lurk in news groups.

What is not important is that you do it this way or that way. What is important is for each individual to understand which method of learning works best for that individual. Then go after it.

Personally, I like a good John Shaw book on nature photography for inspiration. Or a good Galen Rowell book on adventure photography.

Whatever makes your socks roll up and down.

---Bob Gross---

Galen Rowell? I'm impressed Bob. I thought people just used his name to sound smart when discusssing fill flash.
Scott

True story.
Back around 1978, there was a slide show lecture scheduled for the campus of San Jose State University. Some mountaineer. I showed up and watched the story about the unsuccessful climb on K2 a couple of years prior. Some photographer.

After it was over, we were all up in front asking questions to the speaker. Galen Rowell. That was even before he became famous.

Now I have several of his books for inspiration. May he r.i.p.

---Bob Gross---