i have a camera and a 580exII...and want to do some off camera lightiing

Hi,

I currently have a 300d and a 580exII. I just recently bought a used 40d as an upgrade after shooting with my used 300d for 2 years now. I just got the flash less than a month ago though...

I am interested in a portable off camera setup for weddings and maybe some more glamor esque shooting. I am in college and don't have a huge budget but don't want to get bottom of the barrel items and regret it later.

I don't know exactly what i need still, despite reading several faqs, blogs, and threads.

i gather i need...

a stand
a a flash/umbrella mount
some sort of flash sync
an umbrella


but what else? do i need 2 flashes? or can i only get away with 1 for now?

I would just go with one flash for now. Learn to use it really well and only add a second flash when you know why you need it.

ok, sounds good but then where do i go form here?

Strobist 101 is your bible.
I've been reading for a few weeks now slowly getting better each time.http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com/2006/03/lightin​g-101.html

you've basically answered your own question in your first post.

I think the very next step is to decide which triggering method you want to buy into... if you go with an ST-E2 for instance, you'll be able to maintain E-TTL metering, but there are severe limitations for IR transmission outdoors or in large rooms.

... going for pocket wizards on the other hand, is going to cost you about a hundred or so more for a single-flash setup, but will work anywhere and at great distance. Unfortunately, you'll then need to set your flash power manually, at the remote flash head.

the same applies for ebay radio triggers, except that they're really cheap, but you get precisely what you pay for, so don't expect them to last forever. Also, over a couple of years of regular use, you'll have spent enough on those stupid lithium batteries to buy yourself some pocket wizards.

Start researching your options, and you'll see the choice isn't necessarily an easy one.

www.strobist.com

sayn3ver wrote in post #6402276
Hi,

I currently have a 300d and a 580exII. I just recently bought a used 40d as an upgrade after shooting with my used 300d for 2 years now. I just got the flash less than a month ago though...

I am interested in a portable off camera setup for weddings and maybe some more glamor esque shooting. I am in college and don't have a huge budget but don't want to get bottom of the barrel items and regret it later.

I don't know exactly what i need still, despite reading several faqs, blogs, and threads.

i gather i need...

a stand
a a flash/umbrella mount
some sort of flash sync
an umbrella


but what else? do i need 2 flashes? or can i only get away with 1 for now?

try cybersync flash triggers. ive read a lot of good things about it. i just ordered mine today.