Professional photographers use various types of lighting equipment. Photography strobes flash a burst of lighting onto the subject. They provide bright, even lighting and are great for portrait and wedding photography. You don't need to be a professional photographer to use strobe lights and you don't have to spend a lot of money on purchasing them. You can put together your own do-it-yourself photography strobe.
Instructions
1. Pick out an external flash. The price range varies with the speed, brand and brightness of the flash. If you are just starting out, you may want to go with an inexpensive model while you learn the ropes.
2. Set up a tripod and attach the external flash to it. Depending on the type of flash you bought, it may have an adapter or you may need to purchase one from a camera supply store.
3. Prepare your reflective umbrella. These can be purchased rather inexpensively from a camera supply store or you can make your own. Take a lightweight umbrella and spray-paint the underside white or silver. The color of the inside will effect the light that it reflects. Silver will bounce most of the reflected light while you will lose up to 50% of the bounced light with white.
4. Attach the umbrella to your tripod/flash configuration. If you purchased a lighting umbrella, you may be able to attach it directly to the tripod. You may need to use duct tape or a heavy duty tape to attach it. If that's the case, attach the umbrella upright, but at a slight angle so that the flash will reflect off of it and onto your subject.
5. Aim the flash at the umbrella. Make sure your flash has batteries and plug it into your camera. When you take a photo, your new strobe should go off. If it doesn't, ensure that it is properly set up with your camera. Adjust the angle as needed.
Tags: camera supply, camera supply store, external flash, from camera, from camera supply
