attach the flash to a bookshelf, a table edge, and
even the back of a chair. Once the flash is in
position, you must trigger it from the camera.
Currently, there are three different methods:
■ Remote Triggers. Remote triggers are where
one unit attaches to the flash and the other
attaches to the camera. Then when you press
the shutter release button, the flash gets a sig-
nal from the camera and fires. This method
works really well, but you do have to buy
extra gear, including a set of Radio Poppers or
Pocket Wizards. I used a Pocket Wizard to fire
the off-camera Nikon SB900 Flash through a
light-modifying umbrella in Figure 3-15 to
create a softer, bigger light source from the
side instead of from the camera direction.Off-camera flash
Using an accessory flash off camera can make a
dramatic improvement in a photo because you
can place the flash exactly where you want the
light and you are not limited to the position on
top of the camera.
Most accessory flash units come with a small
stand that allows the flash to stand upright. These
little stands have a threaded mounting hole in
the bottom and can usually be attached to a tri-
pod or a light stand using a mounting screw.
There are also a wide range of flash holders that
make it easy to position the flash just about any-
where. One of the most useful is the Manfrotto
175F Justin Clamp, which when attached to the
flash allows the flash to be clamped to nearly any-
thing. For example, I have used this clamp toABOUT THIS PHOTO The flash was fired by using a set of Pocket Wizards, one on the camera hot shoe and
the other attached to the flash with a cable. When the shutter release button was pressed, the flash fired. The umbrella
was to help turn the small flash unit into a softer, bigger light source. Shot at 1/25 second, f/5.6, and ISO 200.
3-15