I don't need flash. I can use fast glass and high ISO.

MR do little wrote in post #8639981
Many times you simply can work with the ambient light instead of resorting to flash just because you have one. This naturally requires one to learn to see the light wich takes more time then to rely on automatic flash metering.

No argument here, Paul. In fact, flash can sometimes create more problems than it solves. I pointed that out in this thread:
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=750517

Curtis N wrote in post #8638311
Maybe not in so many words.

But I wish I had a dime for everytime someone asked, "Should I get a flash unit, or would a 50mm f/1.4 work just as well for indoor shots?"

I hear this sometimes yes, but not as a question

I hate flash. I have 6 in my bag and they help make my bag heavy.

Next step is to get a balance, set your camera to match the ambient light source and filter your flash.

This allows one to tone down the flash so you don't get those awful hot spots on your model's face especially for women who are not made up professionally for flash photography.

That's your next assignment.

I'm with GerBee.
Balance is key! Full flash or full ambient in some cases is not the way to skin the cat.

OT, where are you located GerBee

Looks pretty balanced to me. Oil and sweat is oil and sweat. It reflects.

cdifoto wrote in post #8640720
I hate flash. I have 6 in my bag and they help make my bag heavy.

That's what assistants are for

I shoulda called that high school kid back.

Psychobiker wrote in post #8640859
OT, where are you located GerBee

Cork.

I agree upon the results with flash and not indeed and I am considering to buy a flash for my canon 40d.Whats a good start and not too expensive? I wnat to take portraits shots and use it sort of studio light.

Strobe lighting should either supplement the ambient light or create it's own atmosphere without being (too) obvious.

The images in the starting post speak for themselves, but I have to add, I think the example is what people use to explain "on camera flash" to the extreme... Greasy face + undiffused flash is not very flattering...
Also, it kind of confuses fill flash with flash exposure only.

Next up comparison:
Low light, 2.8 lens, High iso (1600 - 3200)
Low light, 1.4 lens @ 1.8, Medium ISO (400/800)
Flash, direct @1.4 (fill only scenario 1)
Flash, direct @2.8 (fill only scenario 2)
Flash, direct @F4 or 5.6 or so (nuking the ambient)
Flash bounced on camera (pocketbouncer / bounce card / demb), same flash and Av settings.
Flash bounced on ceiling, same flash and Av settings.

I can add some of these soon, I think I still have examples in my catalog.

cdifoto wrote in post #8640720
I hate flash. I have 6 in my bag and they help make my bag heavy.

I have only one in my bag, but a separate bag for all my manual / off cam flashes (8 for now, only one or two more to add).

Johnny V wrote in post #8641281
Strobe lighting should either supplement the ambient light or create it's own atmosphere without being (too) obvious.

Ideally, yes. But sweat reflects.

TweakMDS wrote in post #8641303
I have only one in my bag, but a separate bag for all my manual / off cam flashes (8 for now, only one or two more to add).

I keep mine all together in my backpack. Makes for easier traveling. Heavier, but easier.

cdifoto wrote in post #8641352
I keep mine all together in my backpack. Makes for easier traveling. Heavier, but easier.

You must have a BIG backpack..

cdifoto wrote in post #8540868
I don't carry THAT much stuff. I don't need it. Everything I own and use fits in a large backpack - including my light stands.