How to use Canon 580EX II effectively

<p>Hi,<br>

I've had a Canon 580EX II flashlight and looking for some good sources that show me how to operate it effectively, like when to use this/that function, under this/that condition, output needs to be increased/decreased, etc. The manual that comes with it doesn't offer much. I see many books and of course, they all say good things about their books. Anything that you can recommend me to read? Thanks.</p>

<p>Get<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Speedliters-Handbook-Learning-Craft-Speedlites/dp/032171105X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332807833&sr=8-1"> this book.</a> It is the canon flash bible and should come with every flash they sell. </p>

<p>Agreed. I'm reading that book now -- it's very detailed.</p>

<p>Or have a look at <a href="http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/">http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/</a> </p>

<p>Another excellent book is "Mastering Canon EOS Flash Photography" by NK Guy, who also posts here on this forum. So far this has been my favorite book on Canon flash.</p>

<p>Check out this site...</p>

<p><a href="http://super.nova.org/DPR/Canon/580exFAQ/">http://super.nova.org/DPR/Canon/580exFAQ/</a></p>

<p>I got a lot of useful info on this website. It won't cost you anything but time to go through this.</p>

<p>If you plan on using the flash on your camera then <em>Neil van Niekerk's</em> book <em><strong>"</strong></em><em><strong>On-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital Wedding and Portrait Photography" </strong></em>is the best I have found on this topic. </p>

<p>Ah yes R Smith, and his <a href="http://neilvn.com/tangents/about/black-foamie-thing/">website</a> is excellent. I have half a dozen black foamie things in black and white.</p>