Flash photography newbie - questions on pruchasing

[Kurtru]

I have many years experience as a hobbyist photographer but have no experience at all with flash. I would like to experiment with flash with my mushroom and flower photography, as well learning how to use flash in other types of photography.

I have picked out two Godox TT685II flashes, with the Godox XProC TTL Wireless Flash Trigger, 3 sets of Watson batteries and a charger. Total cost is $378 at B&H.

Can I please ask for opinions on this as a starter system to learn flash photography at a decent price? Should I start with a higher level of flash unit? Do I need to add a light meter?

Thank you for any guidance you can provide, it is very much appreciated.

 

[SonomaTim]

David Hobby - a.k.a. Strobist, has a fantastic series of free blog posts on lighting. While his lessons focus more on portrait lighting, you can learn a lot from him on using two lights and apply it to your subject matter. Lighting 102 talks about using two strobes. He recommends Godox strobes.

Don't forget light stands, reflectors, and shades.

EDIT: The thing I like the most about Hobby is that he is not afraid to improvise. He won't recommend you go out with the latest expensive Profoto flash costing $1k. He's more apt to tell you to get a piece of poster board, wrap some foil on it and use that as a reflector.

 

[Nick5]

A great book is Syl Arena’s Speedliter’s Handbook. It may still be available as an ebook.
A wonderful read with diagrams. Everything from Batteries, light modifiers you name it.
And of course with all Flash, learning to control the ambient as the start.
Enjoy the journey of lighting.

 

[Kurtru]

David Hobby - a.k.a. Strobist, has a fantastic series of free blog posts on lighting. While his lessons focus more on portrait lighting, you can learn a lot from him on using two lights and apply it to your subject matter. Lighting 102 talks about using two strobes. He recommends Godox strobes.

Don't forget light stands, reflectors, and shades.

EDIT: The thing I like the most about Hobby is that he is not afraid to improvise. He won't recommend you go out with the latest expensive Profoto flash costing $1k. He's more apt to tell you to get a piece of poster board, wrap some foil on it and use that as a reflector.

I have been looking at this website, thank you.

 

[Dave3222]

This is a good site for info. The site has lots of info and techniques regarding on camera and off camera flash in an easy to understand format. If you scroll down a bit there is a menu on the right side with more links.

• Flash Photography Techniques - Tangents

Flash Photography Techniques ~ Intro page ~ Natural looking flash Flash photography techniques and tips As photographers we’re always looking for perfect light. And yet, the quality of available light isn’t always ideal. It is rarely perfect. But I feel that in using flash wisely, I’m able to...

neilvn.com

 

[Terry McDaniel]

This works pretty good for macro. Cost about $2.00.

 

[SonomaTim]

This works pretty good for macro. Cost about $2.00.View attachment 156879View attachment 156880

DIY light modifiers can be a lot of fun.