Why use flash?

In my photography so far I was always trying to use only available light for my pictures. But there is a time in every photographer’s life when you feel you need more control over what is going on in your pictures light-wise. You begin to choose time of day, angle towards the light source more carefully (at this point it would probably be sunlight). You may try to use reflectors, gobos or shade to change light. And as you move forward in your photography you will do these things more and more intentionally. This leads directly to using artificial light sources to help you achieve the effect that you've been after.

Some time ago I began to wonder, if I can do anything to my pictures, to have some more control over light. I started my research from the internet and stumbled upon a site called Strobist and a number other similar photography blogs. Their common thought was "don't let the light ruin your picture". So true ...

Anyway I decided that I need something more that the sun, to light my photographs. Following the guidance of David Hobby from the Strobist I went for old and cheap manual speedlights (the kind that you would normally mount on your camera). I have recently bought almost everything that I will need to start bending the light to my needs.

In this post you can see some of my early experiments with one strobe and a glass. I must admit I like it, and for me the glass is half full. I should finish gathering my One-Light-Set and will get on with shooting some more still life and portraits.