Working with Speedlites: One Flash Photography

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Canonistas rejoice! Professional photographer, avowed Canon user, and author of the Speedliter’s Handbook, Syl Arena has joined the ranks at KelbyTraining.com to share his vast knowledge of Canon Speedlites. In this class, Syl starts at the beginning with the basics and one flash, and then takes you through everything you need to know; from technique to gear, to master the Speedlite and take better pictures almost immediately.

Basic Gear Guide (11:41) If you're just getting into Speedlites, you don't need to buy everything. Syl gives you a good list of gear to get you started.
Camera Settings and Shutter Speeds (12:57) After adjusting the exposure and aperture to get an understanding of how the camera sees the ambient light, Syl shows you how adjusting the shutter speed affects both the Speedlight and ambient light. Key point: The shutter speed controls the ambient light.
Know Your Speedlite (04:45) Syl goes over some different Speedlite models, gives his take on them and tells you what you can do with them in relation to your Canon camera.
Buttons and Functions (08:32) Learn the various buttons and functions of 580EX2 and 430EX2 Speedlites.
Know Your Modes (07:44) Syl takes you through the mode reel on your camera to help you break out of the "green box mode" and explore how the different modes can apply when adding Speedlites.
Color Temperature (06:13) Speedlites have the color temperature of a noon-day sun. Learn how to affect the color temp with gels and white balance.
Going Off-Camera (14:18) In order to create interesting light, you need to create interesting shadows. Take things up a notch with an ETTL cord and some basic gear for off-camera flash and better, more dramatic shadows.
ETTL Flash Mode (07:53) Syl goes over the settings for ETTL mode on your Speedlite and your camera - Good for when your subject-to-flash distance constantly changes.
Manual Flash Mode (06:53) Syl goes over the settings for Manual mode on your Speedlite and your camera - Good for when your subject-to-flash distance doesn't change.
First and Second Curtain Synch (06:07) A neat demo to show you how to time when your flash fires under low light situations.
Slow-Speed Synch (11:06) Not quite technically the right name for the technique but that's what everyone calls it.
High-Speed Synch Fill-Flash (03:16) Syl shows you how to use a Speedlite in bright light for a fill-flash look with the high-speed synch.
Battery Test (10:51) This is what makes Syl the amazing instructor he is. He's even tested various batteries to let you know what works best!

Course Time: 01 Hours 52 Minutes

S. AMBALAVATTOM

Jan 25 2013

I bought a Speedlite 430EX II a couple of weeks back. I soon realised that I would need help if I was to make the best use of it. I wish to congratulate the KT team for including this course on Speedlites specifically for Canon users. Syl Arena is an authority on the subject. He is concise and clear. It is indeed a privilege to learn from him.
B. Spalding

Jan 6 2013

Super
M. Kojoori

Dec 30 2012

Very good, straight forward information, with humor. Even though I knew some of the information, it was a good refresher course. And I walked away, learning new things.
K. Daelman

Dec 27 2012

Magnificent course: i learned a lot by taking this course. Thank you!! ---- No, I'd keep it between us
D.

Dec 9 2012

Great course. Just what I have been looking for. Hope this instructor keeps on making flash and speedlite courses. Very well presented and at a pace that I can follow and understand. Not much pausing and going back and wondering 'what did he say' ?
R. Spencer

Oct 16 2012

Excellent info. Wish you had one for the Nikon units. The battery info at the end was the best I have ever seen.
B. Brazil

Jul 23 2012

This is a great introduction to Speedlites and was extremely helpful in getting me up and running.
M. Markovitch

Jul 9 2012

Need more vids by Syl! Great stuff!
D. Mcconnell

Jun 24 2012

Fantastic for showing how to use and position the various light modifiers, esp the Wescott Apollo and umbrellas. Really helpful if you have never had formal training in the use of these various mods.
K. Slater

Jun 23 2012

Thought this course was great. Clear, relevant and in simple language. I have been very concerned about using my new speedlite. I have now gone right through this course and feel so much more confident. Best thing is I can re do sections of it again if I want to in order to refresh my memory. Covered a whole gamut of different topics. . slaterfamily - Australia
J. Elfbaum

May 15 2012

Great course learned a lot, i am a beginner and Syl covered everything, and gave me a lot to think about.thanks Syl
W. Willoughby

May 7 2012

This course was incredible. I have been fighting with my speedlite for two years outside as a fill flash and now I think I have it figured out. I have also bought your book and am looking forward to going on vacation and practicing with my speedlite outside...i don't have to have it on "party mode" any longer.
D. Riddick

Mar 4 2012

I really love this course been waiting for a Canon turtorial hoping to see more on Canon products Great job
K. Cooley

Feb 28 2012

Syl, THANK YOU. I'm not even done the entire video, but I have learned SO much about my Speedlite already. I am a beginner with OCF and I appreciate very much how clear you were about everything. You have completely demystified flash for me. Again, thank you!!! And now back to watching first and second curtain sync! :)
S. Babb

Feb 9 2012

Great job! I loved it! I am a beginner and I just learned so much from watching a few videos. I love how the instructor threw in a few price ranges on some of the items so that I could have an idea of how much it would cost me. I also love how he stated which items are best for beginners. Great course!

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Your Instructor

Syl Arena

Author & Instructor

Syl Arena has wandered the world of photography for over four decades. Shortly after Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon, Syl "borrowed" his father's newfangled Polaroid camera, climbed a tree, and...VIEW FULL BIO»

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